Supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday destroyed a statue of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in Obi Akpor Local Government Area, amid rising political tensions in the state.
The protest was sparked by attempts from local government chairmen, loyal to Wike, to extend their tenure.
The chairmen refused to vacate their offices after their terms ended on Monday, citing a six-month extension granted by a pro-Wike faction of the Rivers House of Assembly.
The conflict between Wike and Fubara dates back to 2023, when they fell out over control of the state’s political structure.
The crisis intensified on Tuesday after Governor Fubara issued a statewide broadcast directing all 23 LG chairmen to hand over to the Heads of Administration in their respective councils.
Following Fubara’s directive, Ijaw youths stormed LG secretariats across the state, preventing the chairmen from accessing their offices.
In Obi Akpor, where Wike once served as chairman, the protesters destroyed his statue, chanting “No more Wike.”
The political upheaval reflects deep divisions within the state’s ruling party and highlights ongoing struggles for political dominance in Rivers State.
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