Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has confidently asserted his control over Rivers State amid ongoing tensions with the state’s governor, Sinminalayi Fubara. Speaking at a civic reception held in his honor at Ogu, Wike sought to reassure his supporters about the political crisis that has gripped the state. He urged them to remain calm, declaring, “Go home and sleep very well with your two eyes closed. We’re in charge.”
The rift between Wike and Fubara can be traced back to a power struggle that began in 2023, following a fallout involving Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who are loyal to Wike. This feud escalated dramatically in March 2025 when President Bola Tinubu imposed emergency rule in the state for six months. Although the state has since returned to normalcy, the underlying tensions have persisted, with threats of impeachment swirling around Fubara.
Recently, Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress has been interpreted as a strategic move to avoid potential removal from office, further complicating the political landscape. In response, Wike has formed the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a coalition aimed at uniting political leaders across party lines in support of Tinubu’s re-election campaign. Notably, Wike accused the state government of inhibiting the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for an event, which Fubara attributed to ongoing construction work at the facility.
Wike’s public assertions of control and commitment to his political allies highlight the deep fractures within Rivers State’s political arena. He expressed gratitude to those who have remained loyal since his initial tenure as governor, dismissing those who joined later as “later day converts.” In a show of solidarity, he also praised Tinubu’s efforts to revitalize the Niger Delta Commission, framing these changes as essential steps toward renewing hope for the region.
