Human rights activist Ann-Kio Briggs has claimed that Governor Siminalaya Fubara of Rivers State and the state’s residents are effectively being held hostage due to an agreement between Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike.
Briggs stated that Wike played a crucial role in securing Fubara’s governorship nomination, noting that he purchased nomination forms for Fubara and 13 other candidates. She alleged that Wike subsequently pressured these candidates to withdraw their ambitions in favor of Fubara, aligning with the political and geographic dynamics within Rivers State.
In an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, Briggs expressed regret over the political turmoil affecting the people of Rivers State, stemming from the conflict between Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Governor Fubara.
“When rumors surfaced last year about Governor Fubara’s potential impeachment, it shocked the people of Rivers State and the governor himself, who questioned what he had done wrong. However, the narratives have since evolved, revealing that the former governor significantly influenced Fubara’s rise to power, a fact that cannot be denied,” Briggs explained.
She emphasized that one individual cannot solely elect a governor, stating, “Each person has one vote. Wike admitted to purchasing nomination forms for 14 candidates, including Fubara. Eventually, others were compelled to abandon their aspirations for him, reflecting the existing upland-riverine political dichotomy in the state.”
Briggs further articulated that the political entanglements between the former and current governors do not concern the people of Rivers State. “We were not part of the agreement or understanding between them,” she stated.
She concluded, “The entire state, along with its people and Fubara’s administration, has become collateral damage in this political struggle. We firmly oppose the ongoing situation.”