Port Harcourt – A major realignment shook Rivers State politics on Friday as Dr. Nname Ewor, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former loyalist of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, formally dissolved his faction into the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.
Ewor announced the collapse of his faction during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) Local Government Area, declaring an end to factionalisation within the PDP in Rivers State.
“Today, I am handing over the chairmanship and leadership of my faction to the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee. PDP is no longer factionalised in Rivers. PDP is under one chairman and one leadership, and that leadership is the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,” Ewor said.
Ewor’s Defection and Criticism of Fubara
Explaining his decision, Ewor accused Governor Fubara of being untrustworthy, particularly in handling efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.
“The President mediated twice. If the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mediated twice and agreements were not kept, that means you cannot be trusted. Can such a leader be trusted? We can’t trust him,” he declared.
Ewor also dismissed claims by Fubara that Wike had been intimidating or frustrating his administration, insisting that the former Rivers governor had done nothing to undermine his successor.
ONELGA Leaders Laud Wike
Earlier, ONELGA Chairman, Mr. Chukwu Ogbogu, praised Wike for his developmental interventions in the area during his tenure as governor. He noted that many indigenes of ONELGA benefited from appointments at both state and federal levels under Wike’s leadership.
“I cannot thank you enough for this and many other things you have done for us,” Ogbogu said, assuring the minister of continued loyalty and support.
Mrs. Nkemjika Ezekwe, representing ONELGA II State Constituency, described Wike as a strong advocate of women empowerment, noting that he gave Rivers women a voice and financial independence.
Similarly, Brother Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, hailed Wike as a “divine project,” crediting him with building bridges across Rivers State and shaping his political journey.
Wike’s Response
In his remarks, Wike commended the people of ONELGA for their unity and strength, describing the local government as a stronghold of his supporters. He emphasized that Rivers people were united in support of President Bola Tinubu, irrespective of party affiliation.
“We are not talking about party politics in Rivers. We are talking about the Renewed Hope family for Tinubu, and we will do all we can to give him the needed support,” Wike said.
