The political atmosphere in Rivers State has taken a turbulent turn as signs of internal friction begin to appear within the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Despite the recent launch of the “Rainbow Coalition”a group designed to solidify Wike’s influence and drum up support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 ambitions local leaders within the fold are already clashing over authority and recognition.
The most dramatic of these confrontations occurred in Asari-Toru Local Government Area on Tuesday. What started as a disagreement between the Council Chairman, Hon. Onengiyeofori George, and the leader of the legislative assembly, Hon. Ibifiri, quickly spiraled into chaos. Sources say the argument turned physical, with several councillors allegedly ganging up to assault the chairman. The tension was so high that videos later surfaced on social media showing the council boss fleeing the scene to escape further harm.
This incident has sparked a wave of concern among observers who worry about the stability of local governance in the state. Many are questioning the temperament of those currently holding power, especially as the scramble for political relevance ahead of the next election cycle intensifies.
The friction isn’t limited to physical altercations, as verbal warfare has also broken out in Etche Local Government Area. The Council Chairman there, Hon. Chima Njoku, publicly called out Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh and two state lawmakers for skipping a stakeholders’ meeting he organized. Njoku expressed disappointment, noting that it was a slight against the local leadership for the high-ranking representatives to stay away without even sending an apology, especially as crucial INEC registration activities draw near.
However, the Senator’s camp has not taken the criticism lightly. Barrister Godswill Ukachukwu Onyegbu, speaking for Senator Onyesoh, hit back at the chairman, describing his comments as disrespectful and a mere attempt at political theater. Onyegbu clarified that a Senator represents an entire senatorial district and is not subject to the beck and call of a local government chairman. He challenged Njoku to prove that a formal invitation was ever sent, insisting that the Senator has always been accessible to his constituents.
These growing divisions are surfacing at a delicate time. Only recently, President Bola Tinubu reportedly stepped in to mediate the long-standing feud between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. With these new cracks appearing among Wike’s own loyalists, the road to 2027 is looking increasingly complicated for the “Rainbow Coalition.”
