The political rift between former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has continued to generate reactions within the state’s political space, particularly over claims surrounding youth employment.
Chijioke Ihunwo, former Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, has reacted strongly to Wike’s assertion that Governor Fubara sacked 10,000 youths allegedly employed during the previous administration. Ihunwo challenged the credibility of the claim, describing it as misleading and inconsistent with events during Wike’s tenure.
Wike had accused the Fubara-led administration of cancelling the employment of 10,000 youths and abandoning some ongoing projects inherited from his government. He maintained that his administration created job opportunities for thousands of young people, which were allegedly discontinued after he handed over power in 2023.
Responding on Thursday, January 8, 2026, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Ihunwo dismissed the claim, insisting that the purported mass employment never materialised. According to him, there was no completed recruitment process that resulted in the formal employment of 10,000 youths in Rivers State.
Ihunwo explained that while there may have been public pronouncements or plans suggesting large-scale youth employment, the process was neither concluded nor implemented. He stressed that no appointment letters were issued and no beneficiaries were officially engaged under the alleged scheme.
Drawing from his experience as former Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Rivers State, Ihunwo said he was directly involved in overseeing the proposed recruitment process. He stated that his role gave him firsthand knowledge of the matter, making it clear that the employment exercise existed only as an announcement rather than an executed policy.
He challenged Wike to present verifiable evidence or identify individuals who were formally employed under the claimed initiative. The exchange has further exposed the deep political divisions in Rivers State, as both sides continue to dispute narratives around governance, legacy, and accountability, particularly concerning youth empowerment and public sector employment.
Post a Comment