Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters of yielding to the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Oseni argued that Wike had politically defeated and weakened Fubara's camzp, forcing them to submit to the former governor's influence.
The Morning Show anchor made the remarks on Tuesday during a discussion with Chijoke Ihunwo, a former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, on the political developments in Rivers State.
He 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.
DAILY POST reports that the former council chairman had previously supported Fubara in his political battle against Wike's dominance in Rivers State.
Ihunwo, however, has since reunited with Wike under a rainbow coalition political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections in the oil-rich state.
“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.
Oseni attributed Wike's political dominance to the support he allegedly received from President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government during the Rivers political crisis.
“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.
Rainbow coalition: Wike showed you people ‘pepper’ - Rufai Oseni slams Chijoke Ihunwo