By Sharon Akuboh
Political tension continues to rise in Rivers State amid growing debate over the dissolution of grassroots support groups loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the increasing power struggle within the state’s political landscape.
The Simplified Movement, led by Evans Bipi, had emerged as one of the strongest grassroots political support structures backing Governor Fubara across the 23 local government areas of the state. The group was widely known for mobilizing support for the Governor and defending his administration against opposition forces.
Before its dissolution, the movement played a major role in promoting the Governor’s leadership style and people-oriented policies at the grassroots level. It also served as a rallying platform for supporters resisting what they described as attempts to destabilize the administration.
In June 2025, Governor Fubara dissolved the Simplified Movement and other affiliated support groups as part of efforts aimed at promoting peace, reconciliation, and political unity in Rivers State.
Similarly, the Simplicity Movement and support groups associated with Sogboma Jackrich were later dissolved and rebranded as the Rivers Grassroots Movement (RGM).
However, recent political developments have triggered fresh concerns among supporters of the Governor, many of whom now believe the dissolution of the pro-Fubara grassroots structures created an opportunity for rival political interests to dominate the grassroots political space.
Observers say the development has further exposed the lingering political rivalry between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Questions have also continued to trail the level of political influence allegedly maintained by the FCT Minister in Rivers State despite the presence of a constitutionally elected governor.
Political discussions intensified following reports that the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State screened 98 House of Assembly aspirants ahead of the party primaries, clearing 33 and disqualifying 65.
Reports further indicated that many aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Fubara were disqualified, while several lawmakers aligned with the FCT Minister were cleared.
The situation has fueled speculations over alleged plans to position preferred governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, including claims surrounding the political ambitions of Kingsley Chinda and George Kelly.
Ethnic considerations have also entered public discourse, with some stakeholders expressing concern over alleged moves to produce another governor of Ikwerre extraction after the administrations of Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike, who governed the state consecutively between 2007 and 2023.
Amid the growing tension, several supporters of Governor Fubara have continued to call for unity, fairness, and protection of democratic governance in the state.
They argue that Governor Fubara has consistently preached peace, reconciliation, and coexistence despite political pressures confronting his administration.
Political observers have warned that the prolonged rivalry and unresolved power struggle could threaten stability in Rivers State if urgent steps are not taken to encourage dialogue and mutual respect among political actors.
Many residents are now urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by promoting peace and democratic stability in the state.