Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters of yielding to the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Oseni argued that Wike had defeated and weakened Fubara’s political camp, leaving the governor and his allies with little choice but to submit to the former governor’s influence.
The broadcaster made the remarks on Tuesday during a discussion with Chijoke Ihunwo, a former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, on the political situation in Rivers State.
Oseni recalled Ihunwo’s previous involvement in the political struggle in the state, including his membership of the Action People’s Party and his tenure as local government chairman.
Ihunwo, who had previously supported Fubara in his political dispute with Wike, has since reunited with the FCT minister under a rainbow coalition arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections in Rivers State.
Reacting to the development, Oseni said Wike had overwhelmed Fubara’s camp and forced its members to accept his political dominance.
“The truth is, is because you people have been defeated by Wike and you have been beaten a lot. You’ve been mangled and demolished with the Wike might, and that’s why you have to kowtow. The governor (Fubara) has to kowtow to the master,” Oseni said.
He attributed Wike’s political influence in Rivers State to the support he allegedly received from President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government during the political crisis.
“Well, because Wike showed you people pepper and President Tinubu supported him and he even declared the state of emergency, used federal might to push you people down so you can’t talk again,” he added.
