A former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Austin Tam‑George, has sharply criticised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, describing him as a “pestilence” on the political life of Rivers State. Tam‑George, who once served in Wike’s own administration, said his experience in government prompted his resignation and underlined deep divisions that have continued to destabilise the state’s politics.
Speaking on PrimeTime on Arise Television, the ex‑commissioner attributed the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State to what he termed Wike’s disruptive influence and pursuit of personal political dominance. Tam‑George said Wike’s leadership style prioritised manipulation of state affairs for political leverage rather than genuine governance for the benefit of the people.
“I served in his administration as commissioner for information,” Tam‑George said. “I resigned precisely because of his propensity for chaos, for instability and reducing government to a personality‑driven system. Wike has been a complete pestilence on Rivers State.”
He argued that the current clash between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike stems from longstanding attempts by Wike to exert control over the state’s political structure. According to Tam‑George, this includes efforts to reassert influence over key institutions and to position himself as a dominant political godfather, a stance he believes has contributed to the impeachment process initiated against Fubara.
Despite his criticisms, Tam‑George praised Governor Fubara’s administration for what he described as commendable developmental efforts across sectors such as education and health. He noted that Fubara has prioritised community development, capacity building and the revival of primary healthcare facilities, contrasting this with what he viewed as Wike’s focus on political manoeuvring.
“There is a total transformation happening on a sector‑by‑sector basis, and this has endeared the governor to the people of the state,” he said, adding that much of the state’s progress under Fubara shows a clear departure from practices that once prioritised narrow political interests.
Tam‑George also suggested that the impeachment move against Governor Fubara represents an attempt to counter the governor’s growing influence and preserve Wike’s political control. He explained that as Fubara’s legacy expands, Wike’s room for leverage diminishes — a dynamic he believes has fuelled heightened political tension.
Political observers note that Tam‑George’s comments reflect broader divisions within Rivers’ political elite, where competing loyalties and personalities have shaped public discourse and governance. The Rivers political crisis has endured for several months, drawing national attention as lawmakers and executive figures engage in intense disagreements over leadership and influence.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and influential figure in national politics, has not publicly responded to Tam‑George’s latest remarks. However, his continued involvement in state affairs — despite his federal appointment — remains a focal point of debate among analysts and politicians alike.
As the political standoff unfolds, voices such as Tam‑George’s underline the complexity of power struggles within Rivers State, where personal rivalries and evolving alliances continue to shape governance and public perception.
