CRP kicks against attempts to use social media influencers against Wike

A group known as Concerned Rivers People (CRP) has alleged that the ongoing political tension in Rivers State has extended to social media, with claims that some influencers were approached to promote narratives critical of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

In a statement issued by the group’s Director of Communication, Robinson Uke, the CRP said the use of bloggers and online commentators by public office holders to shape political narratives has become increasingly common in Nigeria.

According to the statement, the group expressed concern over what it described as attempts to portray the FCT Minister negatively in the context of the political disagreement between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Uke noted that some social media personalities declined involvement, stating that, in their view, the FCT Minister had not made personal attacks against the Rivers State Governor.

He added that the minister’s public position, as understood by the group, has centred on the importance of honouring political agreements, describing this as a matter of principle rather than personal conflict.

The CRP further raised broader concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for political communication, stressing the need for strict adherence to due process and existing legal frameworks governing public expenditure.

The group also referenced ongoing national conversations around the regulation of sponsored online content, noting that government agencies have emphasised disclosure requirements to address misinformation and improve public trust.

In its statement, the CRP commended bloggers and commentators who, according to the group, chose not to participate in politically motivated campaigns, urging public figures to prioritise dialogue and institutional processes in resolving disputes