Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has claimed he remains in control of Rivers State, amid a lingering political clash with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The statement came during a civic reception in his honour by the Wariwike Ethnic Nationality on Saturday at Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area.
Addressing supporters, Wike reassured them that the ongoing political crisis in the state should not cause worry. “When God promotes you in life, you’ll go back and say, ‘God, I thank you.’ I can tell you, go home and sleep very well with your two eyes closed. We’re in charge,” he said.
The feud between Wike and Fubara began in 2023 following a power struggle between the governor and lawmakers loyal to Wike in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The tension escalated in March 2025, resulting in the governor’s six-month suspension and the imposition of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu. After the emergency rule was lifted, the conflict reignited, with pro-Wike legislators threatening impeachment over alleged unconstitutional conduct.
In a strategic move to counter impeachment threats, Governor Fubara defected to the All Progressives Congress, widely seen as an effort to secure political backing. In response, Wike launched the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political platform bringing together leaders from various parties to support President Tinubu’s re-election.
At the inauguration of the group’s state coordinators, Wike accused the Rivers State government of denying approval for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for the event. Fubara, however, stated that the stadium was under construction.
Wike also praised his long-time political allies, saying, “Those who worked with us from the inception in 2014, when we mounted the idea of my governorship, have never disappointed us. Those who joined later were not part of the original planning.”
He further commended President Tinubu for revitalising the Niger Delta Commission, stating, “The NDC we have today is different from the NDC we used to have. Why? You have the president who believes you must renew the hope of the hopeless.”
