Political tensions in Rivers State have once again taken center stage following remarks by TAF Africa founder, Jake Epelle, who accused former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike of disappointing his political benefactor, Peter Odili.
Speaking during an interview on News Central TV, Epelle stated that Odili played a major role in Wike’s early political rise by appointing him as a Special Assistant and creating opportunities that shaped his career in public service.
Epelle noted that despite the support and goodwill Wike reportedly enjoyed from Odili and other political allies, disagreements and power struggles later damaged many of those relationships.
According to him, the situation reflects a wider problem within Nigeria’s political system, where loyalty, mutual respect, and commitment to public service are often overshadowed by personal ambition and political dominance.
He further defended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, arguing that the governor has continued to face intense political pressure since assuming office. Epelle warned that prolonged political battles and godfatherism remain serious threats to democratic governance, stressing that citizens must protect their right to freely choose leaders without intimidation or political imposition.
