The lingering crisis within the Rivers State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Friday as Dr. Nname Ewor, factional chairman of the party loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, collapsed his structure into the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Ewor announced the dissolution of his faction during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area (ONELGA), declaring full allegiance to the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee backed by the FCT Minister.
“Today, I am handing over the chairmanship and leadership of my faction to the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee. PDP is no longer factionalised in Rivers. PDP is under one chairman, and under one leadership, that is the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike,” Ewor said.
Explaining his decision, Ewor said Governor Fubara could not be trusted, accusing him of repeatedly violating peace accords brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the Rivers political feud.
“If the President mediated twice, that means you cannot be trusted. Can such a leader be trusted? We can’t trust him,” he said.
Ewor dismissed claims by the governor that Wike had been intimidating or undermining his leadership, insisting that the minister had not done anything to frustrate the state government.
Earlier in his welcome address, chairman of ONELGA, Mr. Chukwu Ogbogu, expressed gratitude to Wike for his continued relationship with the area, recalling the former governor’s infrastructural interventions and support for local appointees.
“I cannot thank you enough for this and many other things you have done for us,” Ogbogu said. “Besides personal benefits as a two-time commissioner and now council chairman courtesy of you, other sons and daughters of this LGA have equally benefitted from various appointments at both state and federal levels.”
Similarly, Mrs. Nkemjika Ezekwe, representing ONELGA II State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, hailed Wike as a “women empowerment advocate,” crediting him for amplifying the voices of Rivers women and fostering financial independence.
“We are solidly behind you,” she declared.
The coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council and a native of ONELGA, Felix Obuah, described Wike as a “divine project,” adding that his people would remain eternally grateful for his leadership.
“Wike made me who I am today,” Obuah said. “He has been building bridges across Rivers.”
Responding, Wike thanked the people of ONELGA for their loyalty and solidarity, describing the area as a “no-go zone” for anyone outside his political family.
“We are not talking about party politics in Rivers but the Renewed Hope Family for Tinubu,” Wike said. “We will do all we can to give him the needed support.”
Call to Action:
To stay updated on this and other political developments in Nigeria, please click on the ads you see on our site. Your support helps Nigeria Political Prism deliver quality journalism and in-depth analysis. (NAN)