The just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State have dealt a heavy blow to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with results showing that he has lost grip of the grassroots.
Out of the 23 local government areas, the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinched 20, including Fubara’s home council of Opobo-Nkoro, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to secure only three.
Significantly, the PDP victory in Obio/Akpor LGA was retained by loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, further consolidating his hold on the state’s political structure.
The Rivers State House of Assembly remains firmly in the grip of the FCT minister, with the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, a known Wike loyalist and kinsman, presiding over the legislature.
This has heightened concerns that upon his expected return on September 18, Governor Fubara will be weakened politically, despite holding the office of the state’s chief executive.
Sunday Punch reported that Governor Fubara, who boycotted the local government polls, has yet to return from his trip abroad.
Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing for his reinstatement, with expectations high among his supporters.
Speaking on the mood ahead of the governor’s return, his media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, insisted that residents were eager to receive him back.
Omatsogunwa said, “It is about Rivers people. Rivers people are excited. You know a man that has shown them that he loves the entire state, and such things happen, it is natural that now that the date is very close, Rivers’ people are happy that he will soon come and complete his good works.”
He added that the governor remained highly popular despite the election outcome.
He stated, “It has nothing to do with me, but Rivers people in general are expectant and ready to welcome their most loved governor because they are the ultimate beneficiaries of the projects. So they are waiting for him to come back and continue from where he stopped.”
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