By Chika Ezuma, Port Harcourt.
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of escalating political tension and militarising the political space in Rivers State.
In a press statement issued yesterday, Eze alleged that Wike’s continued interference in the affairs of Rivers State has undermined democratic governance and disrupted the authority of the elected Governor, Siminialayi Fubara.
According to Eze, the protracted political crisis in the state is largely driven by what he described as “unwarranted power tussle and poaching of executive authority” by the former Rivers State governor and his political allies, including certain members of the State House of Assembly.
He lamented that the situation had negatively impacted governance, slowed development, and frightened investors away from the state.
“The pace of governance in Rivers State was steady until the wheel of statecraft was forcefully grounded to a halt,” Eze said, pointing to the declaration of emergency rule as a major setback to development.
The APC chieftain cited the abandonment of the Ring Road Project, a multi-billion-naira infrastructure initiative linking several local government areas, as one of the casualties of the political crisis.
He noted that the stoppage disrupted construction timelines and could result in cost variations running into billions of naira.
Eze further claimed that the emergency administration stifled the state’s economy, led to job losses, scared off investors, and resulted in loss of internally generated revenue (IGR).
He alleged that despite these setbacks, salaries could not be paid during the period, while state resources were allegedly mismanaged.
Tracing the roots of the crisis, Eze accused Wike of fostering instability even while serving as governor, alleging that he dismantled key agricultural, educational, and security initiatives initiated by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi.
He also alleged that Rivers State was turned into a “political war zone” ahead of the 2023 general elections, claiming that the atmosphere of tension was deliberately created to consolidate political control.
Eze recalled that Wike played a role in the emergence of Governor Fubara but accused him of attempting to exert total control over the governor after his election.
According to him, a set of political conditions described as a “Riot Act” was allegedly imposed on Governor Fubara, including restrictions on appointments, political associations, travel, and future electoral ambitions.
Despite the challenges, Eze commended Governor Fubara for what he described as foresight and restraint, while expressing concern that the lingering distractions have continued to affect governance.
He, however, urged the governor to remain resolute, praying for divine wisdom to navigate the political turbulence and restore stability to Rivers State.
“The impact of this crisis on governance is enormous, and recovery will take time,” Eze said. “But with wisdom and courage, Rivers State can bounce back.”
