The rivalry between former Rivers State Governor and FCT minister Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has escalated into a fierce struggle over the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Tensions heightened after a Port Harcourt High Court presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, issued an order on January 13 restraining the state, local government, and ward executive committees led by Wike loyalist Aaron Chukwuemeka from functioning.
The ruling allowed Fubara’s camp to challenge Wike’s dominance in the party.
Robinson Ewor, Chairman of the PDP in Rivers West Senatorial District and a key Fubara ally, swiftly declared himself the acting state chairman and announced a caretaker committee at all party levels.
The move caused panic within Wike’s camp, leading to their occupation of the party’s secretariat on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, to prevent a takeover.
Police barricaded the area, while leaders from Wike’s camp, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule of the Rivers State House of Assembly, paid solidarity visits to Chukwuemeka.