Rivers Crisis: Akpabio Mocks Fubara, PDP at Wike’s Birthday Lecture

In a recent political development, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), made headlines by mocking Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a speech at a birthday lecture celebrating Nyesom Wike, the former governor of the state. The event, which took place on December 13, 2024, provided a platform for Akpabio to deliver sharp political jabs at his adversaries, further intensifying the already heated political climate in Rivers State.Akpabio, who is the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, wasted no time in making his views clear about the current political situation in the state. In his remarks, he pointed barbs at Governor Fubara, who succeeded Wike after the latter completed his tenure as governor. Akpabio mocked Fubara’s leadership style, suggesting that the governor was struggling to maintain control over the state’s political machinery. He also implied that Fubara, a member of the PDP, lacked the political acumen to manage Rivers State effectively, especially given the complex political dynamics in the region.The APC leader’s comments were a clear reference to the internal challenges within the PDP, which has been at the forefront of Rivers State politics for many years. Akpabio’s remarks were not just directed at Fubara, but at the entire PDP establishment, which he accused of being disorganized and out of touch with the needs of the people. This critique comes amid mounting concerns about the future of the PDP in Rivers State, as it faces internal divisions and a loss of popular support in the wake of Wike’s departure from the party and his subsequent defection to the APC.Akpabio’s attack on the PDP is part of a broader strategy to weaken the opposition party in the state and solidify the APC’s influence. By aligning himself with Wike, who remains a powerful political figure despite his departure from the PDP, Akpabio hopes to gain a foothold in the Rivers State political landscape. Wike’s influence in the state remains significant, and his birthday lecture allowed Akpabio to distance himself from the PDP further while positioning the APC as the party of the future in Rivers State.The political rivalry between Akpabio and the PDP, particularly in Rivers, has been long-standing. The two sides have frequently clashed over control of the state’s resources and political patronage. Akpabio’s recent comments are a continuation of this battle, with the minister using Wike’s birthday lecture as an ideal occasion to make a statement. His words were not just meant to undermine Fubara and the PDP but also to send a message to the people of Rivers State that the APC is prepared to offer a new direction for the state’s governance.Governor Fubara, who was not present at the lecture, is yet to respond to Akpabio’s accusations. However, the governor and his supporters are expected to fire back in the coming days, as the political tension between the two sides continues to grow. The PDP, which has traditionally been the dominant party in Rivers, may find itself in a precarious position as it faces the dual challenge of addressing internal divisions while also defending its reputation against the growing influence of the APC.The political atmosphere in Rivers is becoming increasingly polarized, with Akpabio and other APC leaders eager to capitalize on the perceived weaknesses of the PDP. As the 2025 general elections approach, both parties are likely to intensify their campaigns, seeking to win over the electorate with promises of better governance, economic development, and improved security. Akpabio’s recent comments, while inflammatory, reflect the high stakes in the battle for political control in the oil-rich state.