Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, on May 29, 2023, handed power to his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, in what many would describe as a clean slate.
The numerous projects commissioned by Wike during his time in office was enough to earned him national recognition as he was hailed all over the country.
At some point, residents of many states wished for a governor like Wike.
Indeed, Wike maintained high steeze during his time in Rivers.
His works in the state left him in a special place in the heart of the citizens, forging him into demi-god in the political sphere of the state.
Before now, Wike was well-known as that rugged politician who is ready to damn the consequences in his stance for what is right.
The popular saying “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely” is not far from the truth.
A Game Of Interest
With his affluence in the state, Wike was rumoured to have single handedly placed Fubara as governor and successor.
You see, several allies of Wike had shown interest in succeeding him, but Governor Wike endorsed his former Accountant-General for the position.
The truth is, favours like this can never come for free, especially from Wike, who has always made it known that politics is a game of interest.
Agreements would have been reached in closed doors.
Fubara served Wike for over eight years.
After defeating 16 other contenders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary, Fubara, who secured 721 votes, thanked Wike for his support.
Agreement Is Agreement
However, after winning the March governorship election, Fubara fell out with Wike, less than six months into his term.
By this time, Wike had been appointed FCT Minister in the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
That was when everything that was done in secret began to come out in public.
At this point, Wike could not help but scream his “Agreement is Agreement” slogan into every microphone that was placed in front of him.
Things got heated up when motions were put in place to impeach Fubara.
That day, there was commotion in the state. Protests here and there.
Support For Fubara
The people of the state came out to drum support for Fubara in a fierce attempt to free the state from the claws of godfatherism.
That was how Fubara started gaining momentum in the battle.
Nigerians, as well as politicians and stakeholders had called out on Wike advising him to focus on his new role.
The heat was so much that President Tinubu had to intervene.
Nigerians had expected that this intervention would restore peace in the state, however, the reverse was the case.
This political tussle has been on for months, until Tuesday, June 18.
That day, citizens of Rivers State decided to humble Wike’s steeze.
A protests like never before rocked the state.
The Protests
Videos from the protests captures residents pulling down a statue of Wike at the state secretariat.
In another video, protesters were seen chasing Wike’s supporters.
LG Chairmen supporting Wike were attacked by the angry residents.
The protest was so hot that a policeman and a vigilante member were killed by the mob.
As we speak, Governor Fubara, in a ceremony held on Wednesday morning, officially swore in newly appointed caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.
Caretaker Chairmen
This event took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the capital of the state, with high-level security measures in place.
The appointment of the CTC chairmen was made a day following the submission of the list to the state House of Assembly, which is currently under the leadership of Speaker Victor Jumbo.
Also Read: Fubara: Wike And The History Of Mistakes
The House of Assembly had earlier sent an invitation for the screening of the candidates, which it scheduled for 8 am on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.
Below are the names of the caretaker chairmen nominated by Fubara:
Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth
Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
Akuku Toru LGa – Otonye Briggs
Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
Emouha LGA – David Omereji
Etche LGA – John Otamiri
Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip
Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
Tai LGA – Matthew Dike
The protest against Wike did not end in the streets.
On social media, Nigerians have not stopped dragging the former governor.
