By SUNTV Global Channel | Rivers State
Tension heightened in Rivers State on Tuesday as hundreds of protesters took to the streets in a viral demonstration chanting “No Wike, No Rivers State,” signaling growing political unrest ahead of critical realignments within the state’s power structure.
The protest, which quickly gained traction on social media platforms, saw youths and political loyalists marching through major roads in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas, brandishing placards and chanting slogans in open support of former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The demonstrators accused the current Rivers State administration of sidelining Wike’s political structure and attempting to erase his influence in the state’s governance. According to some protesters, Wike remains a central political figure in Rivers State whose legacy and political machinery cannot be ignored.
“There is no Rivers politics without Wike,” one protester was heard shouting in the viral video. “Anyone who thinks otherwise is deceiving himself.”
Wike Sends Strong Message to Fubara, PDP Defectors
The protest comes amid rising political tension following a strong warning reportedly issued by Nyesom Wike to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other party stakeholders who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a blunt political message that has since sparked widespread reactions, Wike reportedly cautioned defectors against false expectations, stating that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not automatically guarantee political tickets or protection.
“Supporting Tinubu will not give you the ticket you are looking for,” Wike was quoted as saying. “Tinubu is already a winner.”
Political analysts interpret the statement as a direct warning to Rivers politicians banking on federal alignment as a shortcut to political survival ahead of future elections.
Deepening Political Crack Within Rivers PDP
The unfolding drama reflects a deepening crack within the Rivers State PDP, once considered one of the party’s strongest strongholds nationwide. Since Governor Fubara assumed office, relations between him and his predecessor have remained strained, resulting in parallel political loyalties and internal power struggles.
Observers note that the recent defections to the APC and the public show of support for Wike by protesters underscore the fragile balance of power in the state. Many fear the situation could escalate if reconciliation efforts fail.
Security Agencies on Alert
As of press time, security agencies have been placed on alert to prevent a breakdown of law and order. While the protest remained largely peaceful, authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation closely to avoid violence or political intimidation.
What Lies Ahead
With political temperatures rising and loyalty lines becoming clearer, Rivers State appears to be heading into a decisive phase of political recalibration. Whether Governor Fubara can consolidate power without Wike’s backing—or whether Wike’s influence will continue to shape the state’s political direction—remains a critical question.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as the situation unfolds.
— SUNTV Global Channel, Reporting from Rivers State
