Rivers Crisis: Youths Urge Tinubu To Sack Wike

Tensions in Rivers State escalated on Friday as youths from the South-South intensified calls for the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of fuelling the ongoing political crisis in the state.

The youths, organised under the South South Youths Initiative (SSYI), stated that lasting peace in Rivers State would only return if President Bola Tinubu relieved Wike of his ministerial position, describing his continued tenure as a major barrier to stability and development.

At a press briefing in Port Harcourt, SSYI National President Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar said the crisis was “not organic but deliberately manufactured,” allegedly to distract the state from governance and economic progress.

“As youths of Rivers State and the South-South region, we are not happy with what is happening in Rivers State,” Oscar said. “When every other state is thinking about industrialisation and boosting their economy, Rivers State is faced with an unnecessary political crisis orchestrated by the FCT Minister.”

The group urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, warning that retaining Wike could be seen as tacit approval of the ongoing turmoil.

“We believe that if the minister is sacked, Rivers State will be at peace, except Mr. President wants to let us understand that he is the one sponsoring Nyesom Wike to go ahead and cause chaos and political turmoil in the state,” Oscar added.

SSYI also criticised Wike’s record as governor, alleging suppression of political dissent and limited youth empowerment initiatives.

“When Nyesom Wike was governor, nobody—even local government chairmen or House of Assembly members—criticised him. They were all loyalists. Nobody truncated his processes or infrastructural development,” Oscar said.

Turning to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, the youths dismissed allegations of financial misconduct as a politically motivated campaign allegedly instigated by Wike.

They accused the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, of acting as instruments to destabilise governance.

The group issued a political warning to the Presidency, suggesting continued support for Wike could have electoral repercussions for President Tinubu in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We want Nyesom Wike to understand that we are not happy with him—not just as youths of Rivers State, but as youths of the entire South-South region,” Oscar concluded.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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