Environmental and human rights activist Ann Kio Briggs has cautioned President Bola Tinubu over the unfolding political developments in Rivers State, warning that the situation could eventually backfire if not properly managed.
Her remarks follow the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, where he stated that he would support whichever candidate emerges from the party’s process. Another aspirant, Tonye Cole, had also reportedly made a similar call for unity within the party.
Speaking on Channels Television, Briggs accused the President of allowing Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to wield excessive influence over political affairs in Rivers State, describing the situation as unchecked political control.
She argued that the ongoing political manoeuvres in the state do not serve the interests of Rivers people, the APC, or the President, warning that the approach could deepen tensions rather than resolve them.
Briggs further stated that the confusion surrounding the situation was not caused by the people of Rivers State, but rather by internal party dynamics and external interference in the state’s political structure.
She urged caution in handling the crisis, insisting that failure to address the underlying issues could have long-term political consequences.