Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has finally addressed swirling allegations about his role in the deepening political feud with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that he never sought President Bola Tinubu’s intervention for a suspension — instead, he demanded Fubara’s impeachment. Wike made this explosive revelation during a live television interview on Friday, June 21, 2025, amid ongoing tensions that have polarized the state and drawn national attention.
According to the former Rivers State governor, his fallout with Fubara was rooted in the latter’s “betrayal of agreement” and poor governance. Wike, known for his blunt political style, stated that Fubara had derailed from their original political understanding and had begun operating with “arrogance and disregard for the structure that brought him to power.” He emphasized that impeachment, not suspension, was his proposed solution — a stance he says he communicated to key political allies, not the President.
Wike also debunked reports that he lobbied President Tinubu to discipline Fubara or interfere in Rivers’ internal politics. “I don’t beg the President to suspend a governor,” he declared. “I said to the assembly: impeach him if he’s gone astray. That is constitutional.” His remarks have reignited fierce debate over the balance of power in Nigerian federalism, particularly how former political godfathers continue to wield influence over elected officials.
Tensions between Wike and Fubara first escalated in late 2023, when Fubara survived an impeachment plot allegedly backed by Wike loyalists in the State House of Assembly. The political impasse deepened as lawmakers loyal to Wike were removed, and Fubara began consolidating his power base, sidelining Wike’s influence. Though President Tinubu attempted to broker a truce, the truce has clearly unraveled.
Political observers are now weighing the national implications of Wike’s latest comments. Some argue that his blunt confession validates claims of overreach by former power brokers, while others believe Wike is merely defending his political legacy. Whatever the case, this fresh twist adds fuel to the already volatile Rivers political drama.
Fubara has yet to respond publicly to the FCT Minister’s remarks, but his recent moves—restructuring cabinet positions, removing key pro-Wike figures, and courting grassroots support—suggest he’s not backing down. The silence from Aso Rock also signals that the presidency is treading carefully to avoid further fracturing the fragile peace in the oil-rich state.
With the 2027 election season on the horizon, Wike’s influence and Fubara’s resistance may shape not only Rivers politics but also the broader political landscape in southern Nigeria. As the drama unfolds, citizens and stakeholders are closely watching how these power dynamics evolve—and what it means for the future of governance in the region.
