By Solomon OKPO
A member of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council, Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji, has strongly condemned the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that the people will resist any attempt to impose a candidate on them ahead of future elections.
Speaking on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Iko-Awaji accused former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of being largely responsible for the disruptions that have stalled governance in the state.
The elder statesman said Rivers State had effectively lost six months of democratic governance due to what he described as Wike’s immaturity in managing political disagreements, stressing that the crisis had slowed development and weakened administrative efficiency.
According to him, the prolonged delays have placed Rivers State behind other states in terms of governance delivery, policy execution, and development planning.
Iko-Awaji warned that Rivers people would not tolerate political manipulation or godfatherism, insisting that any candidate pushed by influential figures through undemocratic means would be outrightly rejected by the electorate.
He noted that continued political interference had already inflicted serious damage on the state’s democratic institutions and cautioned that further personal rivalries and disputes could derail government projects and erode public confidence in leadership.
The elder urged political leaders to respect the will of the people and allow Rivers citizens to freely choose their leaders without intimidation or imposition.
He further cautioned against actions capable of destabilizing the state’s democratic framework, emphasizing that Rivers voters are politically conscious and resolute.
“The Rivers electorate will not accept leaders or candidates chosen for them by powerful political figures,” Iko-Awaji declared.
He added, “We have lost six months of democratic governance. We are six months behind every other state because of Wike’s immaturity. Rivers people will never forget the man who did that to them. So, if he brings any candidate, we will reject him and his candidate.”
Chief Iko-Awaji’s remarks reflect growing concern among elders and stakeholders over the lingering political tensions in Rivers State and their long-term implications for governance and democratic stability.
