Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has publicly urged traditional leaders in Rivers State to abstain from involvement in partisan political activities as tensions continue to deepen in the oil‑rich southern state’s fractious political environment. Wike’s remarks came during a visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom, in Okrika Local Government Area, where he appealed for continued peace and neutrality from the monarch and other traditional authorities.
Wike’s message underscores concerns among political actors that traditional institutions could be drawn into the rivalries shaping Rivers politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as the ongoing feud between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to reshape alignments within the state. During his “thank‑you tour” to local councils, Wike emphasised that “political activities would soon commence” and that traditional rulers should permit politicians to “play their game” without direct interference. He stressed that his advice stemmed from respect for their roles as guardians of peace and unity, rather than as partisan actors.
Speaking at the palace, Wike urged King Ateke Tom to focus on maintaining harmony in his domain as political contests unfold, noting that leaders in the community could always support peaceful resolution if disputes arose. “Allow us to play our politics… but if there’s any problem, you call us, we will settle,” Wike said, emphasising the traditional ruler’s role in ensuring peace rather than engaging in partisan manoeuvres.
The intervention reflects heightened sensitivities around the influence of traditional institutions in political affairs, as political fault lines widen across Rivers State. The politics of the state has been marked by an intense rivalry between Wike and Fubara, who have been at odds since the latter’s controversial defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The split has provoked realignments among local elites, including declarations of support from groupings such as the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress, which recently withdrew its support for Fubara and pledged allegiance to Wike.
Wike’s comments come against the backdrop of a broader political struggle in Rivers, where the former governor’s enduring influence has frequently clashed with the incumbent governor’s authority and strategic direction. By urging traditional rulers to steer clear of active politics, Wike appears to be drawing a distinction between their customary roles and the increasingly heated competition among political elites. He described the traditional role as one of preserving peace and unity rather than engaging in electoral battles, reinforcing the notion that chiefs and kings should act as neutral figures above the fray.
Political analysts say Wike’s admonition serves both as a message to traditional rulers and as a broader political signal ahead of a pivotal election year. By advocating for non‑involvement of traditional institutions in direct political activity, Wike is signalling his desire to control the narrative and maintain strategic leverage over grassroots perceptions and community stability. His appeal for neutrality comes as factions within Rivers politics navigate a complex landscape of loyalties, allegiances and shifting party dynamics.
However, some commentators have noted the delicate balance in asking traditional leaders to remain apolitical, arguing that such appeals must respect the autonomy and cultural authority of the institutions. In societies where chiefs and monarchs have significant moral clout, their engagement or perceived endorsement of political actors can carry symbolic weight, and calls for neutrality can themselves become subjects of political interpretation.
In his address, Wike also expressed gratitude to the people of Okrika and the broader Ijaw nation for their historical support, indicating that his political intentions are rooted in long‑standing relationships within the region. While he stressed that traditional rulers need not publicly take sides, he acknowledged that they might privately hold sympathies, urging restraint in formal political engagement.
The appeal to traditional rulers follows a series of recent political developments in Rivers, including shifts in grassroots support, intra‑party conflicts and ongoing debates about leadership, governance and electoral strategy. With political activities expected to gain further momentum in the run‑up to the 2027 polls, the roles of political figures, civil society groups and community leaders alike remain under intense scrutiny.
For now, Wike’s message adds another dimension to the evolving political narrative in Rivers State — one that highlights the contested space between tradition and modern politics, and the continued efforts by heavyweights in Nigeria’s political arena to navigate both effectively.
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