Crack in Wike’s camp as loyal councillors assault council chairman

Ahead of the 2027 general election and the push by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to retain control of political structures in Rivers State, cracks have begun to emerge within his newly formed “Rainbow Coalition” in the state.

Daily Trust observed that local government officials aligned with Wike are already embroiled in internal disputes, suggesting an early struggle for relevance ahead of the next political dispensation.

The Rainbow Coalition’s “Renewed Hope Ambassadors” was inaugurated in the state last weekend to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, as well as other candidates within Wike’s political family.

Barely days later, political tensions escalated in at least two local government areas.

In Asari-Toru Local Government Area, councillors reportedly assaulted the council chairman, Hon. Onengiyeofori George, following a confrontation on Tuesday.

Pandemonium reportedly broke out in Asari-Toru Local Government Area following a face-off between Chairman Onengiyeofori George and the leader of the council legislative assembly, Hon. Ibifiri.

Although the cause of the altercation could not be immediately confirmed, sources said a heated argument ensued, after which councillors allegedly sided with the assembly leader and assaulted the chairman.

Videos circulating on social media showed moments when the chairman was seen fleeing the scene.

The incidents have raised concerns among political stakeholders over the calibre of individuals entrusted with leadership, particularly at the local government level in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, in Etche Local Government Area, the council chairman, Hon. Chima Njoku, an ally of the FCT minister, publicly criticised the senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, alongside two members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, for failing to attend meetings he convened.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Njoku faulted the senator and lawmakers for what he described as their disregard for the local government leadership, insisting that they neither attended nor formally excused themselves from the meeting.

He said it was unfortunate that elected representatives from Etche would absent themselves from what he termed an important meeting aimed at advancing the interests of their constituencies, especially at a time preparations were underway for INEC registration.

Njoku warned that poor coordination among political leaders could undermine electoral prospects, stressing that elections were fast approaching and required collective effort, logistics and mobilisation.

He urged political leaders from Etche to “come home” and work together, assuring residents that the local government would strive to “get it right” going forward.

In response, a supporter of Senator Onyesoh, Barrister Godswill Ukachukwu Onyegbu, described the chairman’s remarks as disrespectful and demeaning to the senator.

In a statement, Onyegbu accused Njoku of engaging in political theatrics aimed at disparaging Senator Onyesoh, whom he said was actively representing the eight local government areas that make up the Rivers East Senatorial District.

He said the senator was not answerable to any local government chairman and could not be summoned arbitrarily, noting that Onyesoh had spent the Yuletide engaging constituents before returning to Abuja to pursue legislative duties.

Onyegbu challenged the Etche chairman to provide evidence that the senator was formally invited to the meeting, insisting that Onyesoh remained accessible and would have communicated his availability if duly notified.

He called on Njoku to tender an unreserved apology, urging political leaders to show restraint, respect institutional hierarchy and adopt communication styles that promote peace. The developments come barely days after President Bola Tinubu reportedly intervened to resolve the political standoff between Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in a bid to restore peace in the state.