Members of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, have taken to the streets of Rivers State to openly taunt the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid escalating political tensions in the state.
The public display follows renewed hostilities between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whose relationship has remained strained since Wike left office as governor.
In a video circulating on social media, members of the socio-political group were seen chanting in support of Governor Fubara while warning Wike to stay out of Rivers State politics. The group repeatedly emphasised that Wike no longer holds political authority in the state.
“Wike you no be God. Dey your dey. Na minister you be. Na Fubara be governor,” the group chanted, asserting Fubara’s legitimacy as the current governor of the state.
The demonstration comes as political alignments in Rivers State continue to generate debate, particularly over Wike’s influence following his appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Director of Information, Bala Ibrahim, has weighed in on the matter, stating that should Wike decide to join the party, he would have to operate under the leadership of Governor Fubara.
Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday, Ibrahim said Wike could not claim a leadership position within the APC in Rivers State, noting that leadership is tied to holding elective office.
“He will be given a seat; there will be a place for him,” Ibrahim said. “But it is a choice for him to be under Fubara. When he was the governor, he was followed. Now that he is no longer governor, he must follow.”
He added that political authority does not extend beyond tenure, stressing that no individual can retain leadership status after leaving office.
The comments reflect the ongoing power struggle within Rivers State politics, as factions continue to assert loyalty to either Wike or Fubara, with the situation showing no signs of immediate resolution