•Wike and Fubara
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday took a swipe at Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, saying the same political forces now being mocked were instrumental to his emergence as governor.
Wike spoke during his thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area, where he declared that political tensions in Rivers State were easing and giving way to unity and collaboration, reports Sunday Independent.
“That same dog barked and helped make you governor,” Wike said, reacting to remarks attributed to Fubara.
“This dog that is barking now was barking when people did not even know who the person was. Fate has made it bark again. I wish you good luck.”
The former Rivers governor said the era of political exclusion in the state was ending, stressing that there are no longer “no-go areas” in Rivers politics.
“I believe in you, and that belief will take you places,” he told supporters.
“We used to have problems, but today everyone is working together. That means there is no longer any no-go area.”
Wike said the emerging alignment in the state cuts across party lines and is driven by shared interests rather than partisan considerations.
“We are not talking about party here; we are talking about the real Hope family,” he said.
“All of us have decided to work together. We will not repeat the mistakes of the past.”
Dismissing claims that his political camp lacked electoral strength, the FCT minister said political advantage is built on organisation and mobilisation, not pessimistic projections.
“Some people say we can only deliver two to ten per cent. So what is political advantage?” he asked.
“We will do all we can to deliver total support.”
Wike also fired back at critics who questioned his educational and political credentials, describing such attacks as desperate and baseless.
“Someone once called me semi-illiterate,” he said.
“I studied Law, went to Law School and today I am a Life Bencher. I hold a national honour. Those who cannot win elections resort to insults.”
He contrasted his political record with that of his critics, citing his victories at the polls and his progression from party leadership to commissioner, governor and now FCT minister.
“As Minister of the FCT, my records are there for everyone to see,” he said. “When people cannot match your performance, they call you names.”
Explaining the purpose of his visit, Wike said he was in Okrika to thank supporters and reaffirm his political bond with them.
“I came to say thank you. This is my endorsement. I know you will never abandon me,” he said.
He cautioned against the belief that money alone guarantees electoral victory, stressing that leadership, consistency and credibility remain decisive.
“Money cannot solve all problems,” Wike said. “Shouting about mandate does not automatically translate to victory.”
RIVERS IJAW CONGRESS DUMPS FUBARA
As the Rivers power tussle continues, the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress has formally withdrawn its support from Governor Fubara and pledged allegiance to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, marking a major political shift in the state.
The decision was announced yesterday by the Chairman of the Congress, Senator George Sekibo, during Wike’s thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area.
Describing the rift between Fubara and Wike as “very unfortunate,” Sekibo said the Ijaw people could not be accused of ingratitude, recalling Wike’s role in supporting the emergence of Fubara, an Ijaw son, as governor.
“Please don’t look at him and think we are all ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people,” Sekibo said.
“That is why we have abandoned him and decided to follow you. You have done so much for Ijaw people in Rivers. Whatever you say we should do is what we will do.”
He assured Wike of the unwavering support of the Ijaw people in Rivers State and pledged total loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.
“We are grateful people, and that is why we are following you. We will not leave you because you have always been there for us,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Mr. Akuro Tobin, described Wike as his political godfather, noting that the FCT minister had supported many sons and daughters of the area into elective and appointive offices.
Tobin assured Wike that the men, women and youths of Okrika Local Government Area were solidly behind him and President Tinubu.
Speaking on behalf of Okrika women, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and representative of Okrika Constituency, Mrs. Linda Stewart, praised Wike’s record on women empowerment, describing it as unprecedented.
The minister also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, where he commended the monarch for maintaining unity and peace among his people.
Wike disclosed that a decision had already been taken concerning the 2027 general elections, adding that details would be communicated in due course.
However, he appealed to the traditional ruler to refrain from direct involvement in partisan political activities, urging him instead to continue guiding the people morally.
“It is not going to be business as usual,” Wike said. “Allow us to play our game, and if there is any problem, call us to settle.”
LOYALTY CONTROVERSY
Also, former Obio-Akpor Local Government Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, an ally of Governor Fubara, has firmly denied claims suggesting he is preparing to abandon Fubara and align with Wike.
Yesterday, Ihunwo addressed the circulating reports via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, describing the publication as “false and misleading.”
He emphasised that there has been no discussion or intention on his part to leave Fubara’s political camp.
Reaffirming his loyalty, Ihunwo stated that he remains fully committed to Governor Fubara and urged the public to disregard the misinformation.
He stressed that his allegiance remains unwavering and that he continues to support the governor’s vision and political agenda.
He said: “Reports alleging I will resign from the Fubara Group are false. I have not resigned and have no such plans. I remain firmly with Gov. Siminalayi Fubara. Disregard the fake news.”
This was as Dr. Nname Ewor, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers and a former supporter of Governor Fubara, recently formally merged his faction into the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee, which enjoys the backing of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Ewor, upon switching his allegiance to Wike, accused Governor Fubara of being untrustworthy, criticizing his management of efforts to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the state.
STATE APPROVES N1.8 TRILLION 2026 BUDGET
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Executive Council on Friday approved a ₦1.8 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, despite ongoing tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
The standoff, which has persisted since the governor returned to office after a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, centers on lawmakers’ allegations that Fubara has been making withdrawals from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative approval since 2023.
Speaking to journalists after the budget approval, the newly sworn-in Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters and Social Development, Professor Peter Medee, said it is aimed at completing ongoing projects and accelerating development across critical sectors of the state.
Medee disclosed that the budget christened “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development”, stands at a total of N1,854,248,734,475.76
He noted that the administration remains focused on achieving its development goals for Rivers people despite prevailing economic and governance challenges.
The briefing was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, and the newly appointed Special Adviser on Finance, Frank Fubara.
