Rivers State Can Thrive Without Wike, Says Annkio Briggs Amid Fubara Impeachment Crisis

A prominent Rivers State political stakeholder, Annkio Briggs, has dismissed claims that the state’s political survival is tied to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that Rivers can function and progress without him.

Briggs made the assertion during a live appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, as political tension deepens in the state following impeachment proceedings initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Reacting to claims by Wike’s supporters that Rivers State would collapse without his influence, Briggs questioned the logic and legitimacy of such arguments, describing them as unacceptable to the people of the state.

“How can anyone say that without one man a whole state will not exist?” she asked, pushing back against what she described as an attempt to personalise Rivers State politics.

She also dismissed repeated references to a disputed political agreement, saying many of those invoking it do not even understand its content, yet continue to weaponise it against the sitting governor.

Briggs maintained that Governor Fubara enjoys widespread grassroots backing across Rivers State, describing his support base as organic and deeply rooted among the people. According to her, this popular backing would remain intact regardless of the governor’s political choices.

She added that even if Fubara were to defect to another political party to protect his position, his support among Rivers people would not waver.

Although she clarified that she is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Briggs said her loyalty lies with Rivers State and its people, stressing that her electoral choices are guided by performance, values, and prevailing circumstances rather than party affiliation.

Her comments come as political tensions continue to rise in Rivers State, with the impeachment move against the governor fueling sharp divisions and raising concerns over stability and governance in one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states.