Robinson Ewor, former Acting Chairman of the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly declared that Governor Sim Fubara is the root cause of Rivers State’s political challenges, not Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In a statement made during Arise Television’s Morning Show, Ewor challenged the narrative that emerged during the intense political crisis between Wike and Fubara, asserting that public perception at the time was misleading. He emphasized that what was presented to Rivers State residents as Wike blocking the governor’s functions was not aligned with the actual situation.
The political rift between Wike and Fubara began when disagreements arose over who should lead the state’s political structure. This led to Governor Fubara’s suspension for six months, a move that intensified tensions within the state’s political landscape. The crisis drew national attention and prompted intervention from President Bola Tinubu and other key stakeholders. After months of negotiations, the two leaders eventually resolved their differences, but Fubara was ultimately defeated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.
Ewor’s comments come amid a significant political shift, as Governor Fubara recently announced that Rivers State would adopt the Rainbow Coalition, a political alliance championed by Wike. This move has sparked mixed reactions across the state, with some viewing it as a step toward unity, while others see it as a strategic retreat. Ewor, however, used the opportunity to reframe the narrative, stating that the real issue has always been the governor’s failure to engage with the people of Rivers State.
“Perception is different from reality,” Ewor said. “What I knew then and what I know now are two different things. Then, the perception was that Wike didn’t allow the governor, Fubara, to function.” He added that the current understanding reveals that Wike was not obstructing the governor’s duties, but rather, Fubara himself lacked openness and inclusivity in governance. “Today, we have come to realize that the problem of the state wasn’t Wike, it was the inability of Sim, the Governor himself, to be open to the people of Rivers.”
Ewor further noted that the information available to the public and supporters of Fubara during the crisis was inaccurate and has since been corrected. “The fact before Rivers people then and the facts before we, the supporters of Fubara today, are not the same facts.” His remarks underscore a growing shift in political discourse within Rivers State, as figures once aligned with Fubara now publicly reassess their positions.
As the state moves toward embracing the Rainbow Coalition, Ewor’s comments may signal a broader realignment in political loyalties. The future of Rivers State politics will likely hinge on how leaders navigate these evolving dynamics and whether new alliances can foster genuine unity and development.
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