Prominent Rivers State political figure and activist Annkio Briggs has declared that the state can function effectively without the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, dismissing claims that his absence would render Rivers ungovernable.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, monitored by TRUTH LIVE NEWS, Briggs addressed the escalating political crisis in the state, where the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
Briggs challenged the repeated emphasis on an alleged political “agreement” often cited by Wike and his allies as the basis for the ongoing power tussle.
“What is it? He keeps talking about an agreement. What’s the agreement? Do you know the agreement that Nyesom Wike is shouting about? Agreement, agreement. Everybody is shouting, agreement, agreement. The lawmakers are shouting,” she said.
She strongly rejected the notion that Wike’s role is indispensable to the state’s survival.
“His supporters are shouting, no Wike, no Rivers state. You can’t say that. How can you say that without one man (Wike) a state will not exist? Where is that political, and where is it acceptable?” Briggs questioned.
“Well, it may be acceptable anywhere else. But I don’t think such is acceptable by the people of Rivers State. All I do know is that the majority of Rivers people are in support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” she added.
Briggs described Fubara’s backing as deeply rooted and genuine.
“His support is organic. And therefore, if Today he finds himself for whatever reasons, he has decided as the governor of River State to move to the APC to survive as a governor. The organic support he has is fully behind him,” she said.
While clarifying her own political stance, Briggs emphasized her loyalty to Rivers State over party lines.
“I may not be a member of APC, but I am a daughter of Rivers State, and when it comes to the elections in Rivers State, I know whom I’m going to vote for. It will depend on what the person is offering and the circumstances,” she said.
The comments come against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Rivers politics, marked by the Assembly’s move to impeach Governor Fubara over allegations including alleged gross misconduct and failure to uphold constitutional obligations.
Fubara’s camp has described the proceedings as politically motivated, while Wike-aligned lawmakers insist they are acting in defence of due process and an earlier political understanding.
