Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has called for the immediate collapse of former governor Nyesom Wike's political structure in the state.

He made the call in response to former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike’s assertion that his political structure should remain untouched.

Reacting, Fubara announced that the upcoming Local Government election on October 5, 2024, will provide Rivers residents with a chance to experience the emergence of a new political structure that they can claim as their own.

The Governor made this statement during a solidarity visit from leaders and members of The Simplicity Movement, headed by High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, at the gates of Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.

High Chief Jackrich, widely recognized as Egberipapa, served as the governorship candidate for the National Rescue Movement (NRM) during the 2023 election in Rivers State.

Governor Fubara, in putting the records straight, said he hardly comes out to receive people on solidarity visit to him but had to personally receive this group in order to show respect to the leadership of The Simplicity Movement.

He explained that the group and its leadership are people who have on their volition decided to gather together, and publicly declare their support to his administration.

He said, “You know at this time, people are paying people money but we don’t do it. People come out on their own to show support to us. Knowing the calibre of the founder of this group, knowing the role he has played with other people, and him choosing to be part of the success of our administration, I said I was going to honour him by coming to address you.”

Governor Fubara commended the group for their decision to identify with his administration, and enjoined them to remain firm in their commitment as they synergise efforts at defending and protecting the interest of Rivers State at all times.

Specifically, Governor Fubara said: “We must defend the dignity of our State. We must ensure that the commonwealth of this State belongs to everyone. That is why our slogan is ‘Rivers First’. Because we believe that if we take Rivers first, there won’t be crime. If we take Rivers first, there won’t be hunger. If we take Rivers first, there will be employment.”