Rivers Politics: Fubara, Supporters Have Kowtowed to Wike – Rufai Oseni

Arise Television presenter, Rufai Oseni, has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters of surrendering to the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Oseni argued that Wike had defeated and weakened Fubara’s political camp, leaving the governor and his supporters with little option but to submit to the former governor’s influence.

The television anchor made the remarks on Tuesday during an edition of Arise Television’s Morning Show, while discussing the political situation in Rivers State with former Obio/Akpor Local Government Area chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo.

During the discussion, Oseni recalled Ihunwo’s previous involvement in the political struggle in Rivers State, including his membership of the Action People’s Party (APP) and his tenure as a local government chairman.

Ihunwo had previously supported Fubara during his political confrontation with Wike but has since reunited with the FCT minister under a Rainbow Coalition arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections in Rivers State.

Reacting to the development, Oseni maintained that Wike had politically overwhelmed Fubara’s camp, forcing the governor and his supporters to yield to his influence.

“The truth is, is because you people have been defeated by Wike and you have been beaten a lot. You’ve been mangled and demolished with the Wike might, and that’s why you have to kowtow. The governor (Fubara) has to kowtow to the master,” Oseni said.

The presenter attributed Wike’s political dominance to the support he allegedly received from President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government during the Rivers political crisis.

He also referenced the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that federal intervention had weakened Fubara’s political camp and limited its ability to challenge Wike.

“Well, because Wike showed you people pepper and President Tinubu supported him and he even declared the state of emergency, used federal might to push you people down so you can’t talk again,” he added.

Oseni’s comments come amid renewed political realignments in Rivers State, with former political rivals reportedly joining forces under the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.