A Rivers State political stakeholder, Annkio Briggs, has dismissed claims that Rivers State cannot function without the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that the state can effectively exist independent of any single individual.
Briggs made the assertion on Thursday during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, while reacting to the political tension in Rivers State following the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by the State House of Assembly.
She questioned repeated references to an alleged political agreement cited by Wike and his supporters, describing it as vague and unacceptable. According to Briggs, claims that Rivers State would cease to exist without Wike undermine democratic principles and are not in line with the views of the majority of Rivers people.
Briggs stressed that Governor Fubara enjoys widespread grassroots support across the state, noting that his backing is “organic” and not imposed. She added that this support would remain intact regardless of the governor’s political decisions, including a possible defection to another party.
While clarifying that she is not a member of the All Progressives Congress, Briggs said her loyalty lies with Rivers State and its people. She maintained that her electoral choices would always be guided by the credibility of candidates, their offerings, and prevailing political circumstances.
