According to a video posted on the official YouTube channel of News Central TV on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Chairman of Rainbow Coalition in Obio-Akpor, George Ariolu, defended the political role played by former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the emergence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.…....
Speaking during an interview on the ongoing political developments in Rivers State, Ariolu said many people initially doubted Fubara before he became governor. According to him, Wike faced criticism from residents of the state for supporting a candidate who was not widely known in the political space at the time.
Ariolu stated, “Do you know what Wike went through because he brought Fubara? These same Rivers people were asking, ‘Why would you bring somebody who is not known to us?’”
He explained that despite the resistance and public criticism, Wike stood firmly behind Fubara and mobilized political structures that eventually helped him win the governorship election in 2023.
The Rainbow Coalition chairman also argued that several political stakeholders who worked for Fubara’s emergence later felt disappointed after the relationship between both leaders broke down.
He added that the current political crisis in Rivers State has continued to generate debate over loyalty, leadership, and political structure within the state.
