Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, was criticized yesterday by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, who claimed that the same political elements that are currently being ridiculed were crucial to Fubara’s rise to power.
According to Sunday Independent, Wike said that political tensions in Rivers State were subsiding and being replaced by togetherness and collaboration during his thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area.
Wike responded to comments ascribed to Fubara by saying, “That same dog barked and helped make you governor.”
“This barking dog was barking while no one knew who it was. It’s back to barking because of fate. I hope you have success.
The former governor of Rivers emphasized that there are no longer “no-go areas” in Rivers politics and declared that the state’s period of political exclusion was coming to an end.
He assured fans, “I believe in you, and that belief will take you places.”
“We used to have issues, but everyone is cooperating now. Thus, there isn’t a no-go area anymore.
According to Wike, the state’s growing unity transcends party boundaries and is motivated by common interests rather than partisanship.
He declared, “We are talking about the real Hope family here, not about parties.”
“We have all agreed to cooperate. We won’t make the same mistakes twice.
The FCT minister dismissed accusations that his political camp lacked electoral power, arguing that organization and mobilization, not gloomy forecasts, are the foundation of political advantage.
We can barely deliver two to ten percent, according to certain people. “What exactly is political advantage?” he inquired.
“We will exert every effort to provide complete support.”
Wike also retaliated against those who questioned his political and educational credentials, calling such criticisms “baseless and desperate.”
“I was once called semi-illiterate,” he remarked.
“I attended law school, studied law, and am now a Life Bencher. A national honor is bestowed upon me. Insults are used by those who are unable to win elections.
Citing his electoral triumphs and his rise from party leadership to commissioner, governor, and now FCT minister, he compared his political record to that of his detractors.
“Everyone can see my records as the Minister of the FCT,” he declared. “People call you names when they can’t match your performance.”
Wike clarified his visit’s goal, saying he went in Okrika to express gratitude to supporters and strengthen his political ties with them.
“I come to express my gratitude. I endorse this. “I am confident that you will never desert me,” he said.
He emphasized that leadership, consistency, and legitimacy are still crucial factors in elections and warned against the notion that money alone ensures victory.
Wike asserted that “money cannot solve all problems.” “Victory does not always follow from shouting about mandate.”
FUBARA IS DUMPED BY THE Rivers Ijaw Congress
A significant political change has occurred in the state when the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress formally withdrew its support from Governor Fubara and swore allegiance to Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During Wike’s thank-you tour to the Okrika Local Government Area yesterday, Senator George Sekibo, the chairman of the Congress, made the announcement.
Sekibo called the disagreement between Fubara and Wike “very unfortunate” and stated that the Ijaw people could not be accused of being ungrateful, pointing out that Wike had helped Fubara, an Ijaw son, become governor.
“Please don’t assume that we are all unappreciative based on his appearance. According to Sekibo, Ijaw people are extremely appreciative.
“For that reason, we have chosen to follow you and have left him behind. You’ve done a great deal for the Rivers Ijaw community. We will do anything you advise us to do.
He promised complete allegiance to President Bola Tinubu and reassured Wike of the steadfast support of the Ijaw people in Rivers State.
“We are following you because we are appreciative people. You have always supported us, therefore we won’t abandon you,” he continued.
Earlier, Mr. Akuro Tobin, the chairman of the Okrika Local Government Council, referred to Wike as his political godfather, pointing out that the FCT minister had helped numerous local sons and daughters land elected and appointed positions.
Wike was reassured by Tobin that he and President Tinubu have the support of the men, women, and youth of Okrika Local Government Area.
The representative of Okrika Constituency and deputy speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mrs. Linda Stewart, spoke on behalf of Okrika women and commended Wike’s record on women’s empowerment, calling it unprecedented.
The minister also praised King Akete Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, for preserving harmony and peace among his subjects during a courtesy call.
Wike revealed that a decision has already been made on the general elections in 2027 and added that specifics would be shared later.
He did, however, urge the traditional monarch to continue ethically directing the populace and to abstain from direct participation in partisan political activity.
Wike stated, “It won’t be business as usual.” “Leave us to play our game, and call us to resolve any issues.”
LOYALTY DISPUTE
Additionally, Chijioke Ihunwo, a former chairman of the Obio-Akpor Local Government and an ally of Governor Fubara, has categorically refuted rumors that he is planning to defect from Fubara and join Wike.
Using his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Ihunwo responded to the spreading reports yesterday, calling the publication “false and misleading.”
He emphasized that he has not discussed leaving Fubara’s political camp and has no plans to do so.
Ihunwo called on the public to ignore the false information and reiterated his absolute devotion to Governor Fubara.
He emphasized that he still supports the governor’s vision and political agenda and that his allegorical support is unshakable.
“Reports that I will leave the Fubara Group are untrue,” he stated. I don’t have any plans to re-sign. I still completely support Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Ignore the false information.
This occurred as Dr. Nname Ewor, a previous supporter of Governor Fubara and the factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, recently formally united his faction into the caretaker committee led by Aaron Chukwemeka, which has the support of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
After deciding to support Wike, Ewor criticized Governor Fubara for his handling of attempts to end the state’s protracted political crisis and called him unreliable.
The state has approved a budget of N1.8 trillion for 2026.
In the meantime, despite continued hostilities between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, the Rivers State Executive Council approved a ₦1.8 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year on Friday.
Lawmakers’ claims that Fubara has been taking withdrawals from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative approval since 2023 are at the heart of the standoff, which has continued since the governor returned to office following a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
Professor Peter Medee, the recently appointed Special Advisor to the Governor on Economic Matters and Social Development, told reporters following the budget approval that its goal is to finish up ongoing projects and speed up development in key areas of the state.
Medee said that the total amount of the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development” is N1,854,248,734,475.76.
He pointed out that despite current economic and governmental difficulties, the administration is still committed to reaching its development objectives for the Rivers people.
The newly appointed Special Adviser on Finance, Frank Fubara, and Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, also attended the briefing.
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