Wike Controls Rivers’ Political Structure, Fubara Should Prostrate Before Him — Lere Olayinka
Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that his principal still controls the political structure in Rivers State, insisting that Governor Siminalayi Fubara lacks firm grip on the state’s politics.
Olayinka made the remarks on Wednesday while appearing on Morning Brief, a political programme aired on Channels Television. He described Governor Fubara as a weak politician who does not command the loyalty of key political institutions in the state.
According to him, Wike maintains control over the local government structures and the Rivers State House of Assembly, stressing that the former governor’s influence in the state remains intact despite his exit from office.
“Wike controls the political structure of Rivers State,” Olayinka said. “He controls the local governments and the House of Assembly. That is the reality of politics in Rivers.”
He further claimed that Governor Fubara owes his political emergence to Wike and should therefore show humility and deference to the FCT minister.
Olayinka went as far as saying that Fubara should “prostrate” before Wike, arguing that without Wike’s backing, the governor would not have attained his current position.
The comments come amid the ongoing political tension in Rivers State following the breakdown in the relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The rift has led to divisions within the state’s political landscape, particularly involving the State House of Assembly and party structures.
Despite the public exchanges from Wike’s allies, Governor Fubara has maintained that he remains focused on governance and delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
Political observers say the war of words signals a deepening power struggle that could shape the political direction of Rivers State ahead of future elections.
