Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has openly admitted that he lobbied for the removal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the state’s ongoing political crisis. He revealed that it was only through President Bola Tinubu’s swift action to declare a state of emergency that Fubara was able to retain his position.
Wike Wanted Fubara Removed, Praises Tinubu’s Intervention
During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike stated that although he was not in favor of the state of emergency, he recognized that it was this very declaration that prevented Fubara from being ousted. The Minister had long advocated for the governor’s removal as tensions continued to rise in Rivers.
“As a politician, I wasn’t happy about the state of emergency,” Wike admitted. “I had pushed for Governor Fubara to be completely removed. But the president, by declaring the emergency, saved him.”
President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency, Appoints Interim Administrator
The political turmoil in Rivers reached a peak when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025. The declaration resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature, leaving a power vacuum that the president swiftly filled with the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the interim administrator of the state.
The state of emergency aimed to restore order and prevent further breakdowns in governance amid the escalating political discord.
Wike Claims Fubara Was On the Verge of Removal
Wike spoke candidly about the situation, stating that Governor Fubara was already in a precarious position before President Tinubu’s intervention. He claimed the governor’s political future was all but sealed before the emergency declaration reversed his impending ouster.
“The governor was done for. He was finished,” Wike said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “When people talk about what the president did, they should be grateful. Every day, they should go to the president and express their thanks.”
Wike added in a lighter tone, “They should ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’”
Wike Open to Peace Talks but Accuses Fubara’s Advisers
Although Wike has been one of the key players in the political upheaval in Rivers, he made it clear that he is open to peace talks. However, he placed the blame for the continued conflict on Governor Fubara’s advisers, who, according to him, have discouraged the governor from seeking peace.
“I’m open to peace talks, but unfortunately, those advising Governor Fubara are the ones preventing him from embracing peace,” Wike stated.
Though Wike refrained from naming the individuals responsible, it was clear he believed the crisis was driven more by political maneuvering than by any real governance issues.
A Deepening Rift Between Former Allies
The fallout between Wike and Fubara has been one of the most talked-about political stories in Nigeria. Fubara, who had been considered Wike’s political ally and protégé, is now at odds with his former benefactor. The rift stems from disagreements over key appointments, governance strategies, and control of the state legislature.
Despite numerous efforts by various stakeholders to mediate, the situation between Wike and Fubara has only worsened, prompting fears about the future of political stability in Rivers State.
Future Uncertainty for Rivers State
Although the state of emergency has temporarily quelled the unrest in Rivers, the future remains uncertain. While an interim administrator now oversees the state, normal governance has yet to resume, leaving the public wondering when the political crisis will finally subside.
Political analysts have warned that unless Wike and Fubara reconcile, tensions could resurface once the state of emergency is lifted. For now, however, Wike’s open admission that the president’s intervention saved Fubara sheds light on the deeper struggles at play in Rivers State’s ongoing political saga.
