…As He Hosts Wikematic Councilors

By John Alechenu | Abuja

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche, has condemned attempts to stoke ethnic tensions amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. He urged those promoting ethnic narratives to desist, warning that such actions threaten the state’s longstanding peace and unity, particularly between the Riverine and Upland communities.

Nwuche made the remarks while hosting members of the Wikematic Councilors and Supervisors Forum from the Ahoada East LGA chapter at his residence in Port Harcourt.

He criticized individuals—especially “meddlesome interlopers” from outside the state—who, under the guise of supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara, are allegedly promoting division and destabilizing the political atmosphere for personal gain.

According to Nwuche, the current crisis is an internal political issue best resolved by stakeholders within the state, free from external interference. He pointed out that many now claiming to support Fubara had previously opposed his emergence as governor, questioning his Ijaw identity during the nomination process by former Governor Nyesom Wike.

“No ethnic group in Rivers State can solely make a governor. It took a coalition of Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ekpeye, Etche, Kalabari, and others to secure Governor Fubara’s victory,” Nwuche said.

He also criticized certain National Assembly members from outside Rivers who, he claimed, have abandoned their legislative duties in favor of meddling in the state’s politics for pecuniary interests.

Commending President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, Nwuche said the intervention helped avert an imminent breakdown of law and order. He urged Rivers people to reject sponsored protests and instead support the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), in restoring peace and driving development.

Nwuche thanked the visiting councilors for their continued loyalty to President Tinubu and Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike. He acknowledged their contributions toward Fubara’s emergence as governor, lamenting their marginalization despite their efforts.

He reassured them that their loyalty and integrity would be rewarded in due time, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s recent judgment that he said vindicates their stance.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Hon. Adamu Moses, praised Nwuche for his steadfast support of Wike and President Tinubu. He credited the president’s timely intervention for preventing a full-blown crisis, citing threats of pipeline bombings and potential loss of lives.

Moses also lauded Wike’s tenure as a former governor, describing him as a detribalized leader who ensured inclusive development across all ethnic groups in the state. He condemned those now promoting ethnic strife, particularly individuals who had previously opposed the governor’s candidacy.

In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the Wikematic Former Councilors Forum, Hon. Dr. Samuel Amos, hailed Nwuche as a symbol of Ekpeye integrity. He criticized some Ekpeye indigenes for turning against Wike despite the support he extended to the community during his time as governor.