Austin Tam-George, former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, has declared that Governor Sim Fubara’s administration represents the best opportunity for the state to break free from the self-aggrandizing rule of former Governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Thursday, Tam-George emphasized that Fubara’s leadership offers a fresh alternative to the entrenched prebendal politics that have dominated Rivers State under Wike’s influence.
Tam-George described Wike as a godfather who has elevated personal gain and political control to unprecedented levels in the state. He noted that the current situation is not unique to Rivers State, as godfather politics exist elsewhere in Nigeria, but what sets Rivers apart is the extreme nature of Wike’s grip on power. According to Tam-George, Wike’s administration over eight years was marked by a complete absence of merit-based promotions for civil servants, a policy that undermined public service and fueled widespread discontent.
He further explained that the people of Rivers State have reached a tipping point, where they can no longer tolerate a system that prioritizes personal enrichment over public welfare. “We have a former governor who has taken personal aggrandizement to the point where the people now have no choice but to say, no, this cannot be accepted,” Tam-George stated. He added that supporters of Governor Fubara are not merely backing a political figure but a movement toward accountability, transparency, and people-centered governance.
Tam-George praised Fubara for his strategic focus on meeting the actual needs of Rivers citizens, calling it a wise and necessary shift from the previous administration’s approach. He believes Fubara’s commitment to inclusive development and public service reform offers a real chance to rebuild trust and restore dignity to the state’s governance structure. The former commissioner stressed that the people’s support for Fubara is rooted in hope for a new era free from patronage and nepotism.
As Rivers State continues to navigate political tensions and governance challenges, Tam-George’s remarks underscore a growing public desire for change. The coming months will likely test whether Fubara’s administration can deliver on its promises and truly transform the state’s political landscape.
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