The political atmosphere in Rivers State has taken a dramatic twist as Port Harcourt Social, a widely followed civic advocacy group, issued a fiery post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, warning that any further extension of emergency rule in the state would be “unpalatable to the people.”
This sudden resistance comes amid growing tension over the political control of local government areas in the state—a tension that is intricately linked to the influence of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Ironically, Wike, who once publicly supported the extension of emergency rule in the state, has now made a U-turn. His change of heart has raised eyebrows, particularly as it follows a calculated political maneuver in which he reportedly installed his loyalists as local government chairmanship candidates—both in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political observers are questioning the timing and sincerity of Wike’s sudden opposition, labeling it as a classic case of political hypocrisy. A social commentator who spoke anonymously stated, “It is laughable. When it suited him, he endorsed the emergency rule. Now that he has captured both PDP and APC structures for his personal interests, he wants to end it. The people of Rivers are watching.”
The public backlash underscores growing frustration over the erosion of democratic values in the state, with many accusing political heavyweights of manipulating the system to suit their ambitions while ignoring the plight and voices of ordinary citizens.
As Rivers State edges closer to local government elections, all eyes remain on Wike and his next political move—especially as citizens demand transparency, fairness, and true representation at the grassroots level.
PIONEER NEWS 