Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said that Wike holds significant control over the political structure in Rivers State, describing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as politically weak.
Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels TV’s Morning Brief, Olayinka said the governor lacks control over the state’s local government and assembly structures, which he claimed are dominated by Wike. He stated that Fubara should “prostrate” before the FCT minister to acknowledge this influence.
“If I am in Abuja and can influence 27 members of your House of Assembly while you have only three loyal members who no longer attend sittings, it shows who truly controls the assembly. That’s political reality,” Olayinka said.
He also dismissed claims that Wike is orchestrating impeachment moves against Fubara, emphasizing that the governor should navigate political challenges independently.
Earlier this month, the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct. On January 16, a Port Harcourt High Court issued an interim order restraining the state’s chief judge from receiving or acting on any impeachment notice against the governor and his deputy. The Assembly has since filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal.
Olayinka noted that most members of the Rivers State Assembly are loyal to Wike, who has opposed Fubara’s re-election bid, citing alleged violations of a peace agreement signed before the lifting of emergency rule in the state.
