The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, has condemned the political power tussle in Rivers State, saying Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been unfairly targeted and denied the freedom to lead.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Symfoni TV, Nwanyanwu expressed deep frustration over what he called the deliberate effort to “choke” the Rivers governor by those who claimed they installed him in office. He described the political situation as an attempt to cripple democracy through unconstitutional manipulation and party betrayal.
“Fubara was never allowed to breathe as a governor,” Nwanyanwu declared. “He was choked by those who claimed that they put him there. They forgot he got there by the votes of Rivers people.”
Chief Nwanyanwu revealed that many of Governor Fubara’s commissioners refused to take directives from him, claiming allegiance to another power bloc. According to him, this undermined the very essence of leadership and governance.
He also criticized the defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he described as a clear violation of constitutional provisions.
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“They left PDP and joined APC, even swore to an affidavit to that effect. But when they realized they had goofed, they started denying it in court,” he said. “Section 109 of the Constitution is clear. Once you leave the party that brought you in, you have automatically vacated your seat.”
Nwanyanwu also questioned how the Supreme Court ended up commenting on the defection of the 27 lawmakers in a judgment where the matter was not formally raised.
“A court does not give you what you didn’t ask for,” he said, raising concerns about the judicial process and hinting at political influence.
On the role of the presidency, Chief Nwanyanwu insisted that President Bola Tinubu should not have interfered with Governor Fubara’s mandate. He called the intervention unnecessary and harmful to democratic values.
“We are opposed to what happened. The President ought not to have removed him. Jonathan didn’t remove a governor when it happened in his time. Why now?”
He also subtly accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of playing a divisive role, calling out the hunger for power and the tendency of some leaders to act like “gods.”
“When people are in power, they forget their friends, act like gods. But when they fall, they start calling those friends again. That’s not life.”
Chief Nwanyanwu insisted that Fubara still enjoys massive support from Rivers people. According to him, if a free and fair election were held today, the governor would win again by more than 80%.
“Let them conduct a free election today in Rivers State. Fubara will win with over 80%. Take it to the bank,” he stated.
Defections Not Based on Ideology, Just Fear
Touching on the wave of defections from PDP and Labour Party to APC, Nwanyanwu said many politicians are jumping ship out of fear of prosecution.
“Most of them have EFCC and ICPC issues. They are only looking for where their sins will be forgiven. But they are not truly loyal to APC,” he said. “Some will even work against the party they defected to.”
He stressed that such defections are not driven by ideology or patriotism but are rooted in self-preservation.
While many worry that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, Nwanyanwu said he is not alarmed. He believes voters still hold the ultimate power and cited examples where governors lost their senatorial bids despite ruling for eight years.
“Let them all join APC if they want. What matters is who the voters choose. We’ve seen governors lose Senate elections in their own states. So the people are watching.”
Coalition Talks Ongoing, But Without Northern Agenda
Chief Nwanyanwu also confirmed that talks are underway to form a new political coalition—but warned against those who only want power to return to the North without addressing real issues.
“Ten political parties met here last week. We’re talking. But if the purpose of your coalition is just to shift power to the North, you’ve missed it. Talk about hunger, education, health—then we can talk.”
Tinubu Still Has Time To Redeem Himself
On President Tinubu’s performance after two years in office, Nwanyanwu offered a mixed assessment. He admitted that Tinubu inherited a difficult situation but insisted that hunger and hardship are real.
“Nigerians are hungry. The president still has time to make things right. Let him listen to other voices. Let him get ideas outside the box. Let him open up his circle.”
He advised the president to follow the example of past leaders like President Obasanjo or late President Yar’Adua, who sometimes verified project reports themselves instead of relying solely on aides.
“President Tinubu still has time. He must focus on allowing farmers to work, improving healthcare, and ensuring there is food on people’s tables,” he concluded.
