Rivers crisis: I never expected Fubara, Wike fallout – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said he never anticipated the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, cautioning the governor to tread carefully amid the deepening crisis in the state.

Fayose spoke on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he reflected on the breakdown of the relationship between Wike and his political protégé, which has plunged the state into prolonged instability.

“Let me quickly say this. I never knew this thing would ever happen between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,” Fayose said.

He disclosed that he was present at Fubara’s inauguration and had personally advised the governor against falling out with his predecessor.

“I was sitting on the high table the day Governor Fubara was sworn in, and we were on the high table in Rivers. And I told Wike that I want to say one or two things to Fubara not to betray you,” he added.

Fayose’s comments come against the backdrop of renewed political tension in Rivers State, despite several reconciliation efforts, including presidential intervention.

There are indications that President Bola Tinubu has again stepped into the crisis.

A highly placed source close to the Presidency disclosed that the President recently summoned Wike for talks over the Rivers situation, with the meeting expected to hold outside the country.

It was also gathered that Fubara travelled out of Nigeria on Thursday aboard a private jet, reportedly to meet Tinubu in France as part of efforts to resolve the standoff.

The latest developments coincide with a fresh impeachment move against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to Wike.

During plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read a notice of allegations and gross misconduct against the governor.

The seven allegations include the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, and alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature.

The House commenced the impeachment proceedings days after Wike accused the governor of reneging on a peace agreement brokered by Tinubu.

The power struggle between Wike and Fubara intensified months after the governor assumed office, plunging Rivers State into a governance crisis.

In December 2023, Tinubu intervened and brokered a fragile truce, under which Fubara conceded several political appointments to Wike’s allies.

That agreement later collapsed, reigniting hostilities and prompting Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing rising insecurity and administrative paralysis.

The declaration suspended Fubara’s executive powers for six months, during which a sole administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), was appointed to oversee the state.

Fayose also spoke about his long-standing loyalty to the PDP, saying it did not prevent him from speaking frankly about the party’s challenges, stressing that honesty should come before sentiment.

“Everybody stands where they will be able to say the truth to Nigerians. I am not contesting elections, and I have not asked anybody for favours,” he stated.

Fayose also reiterated that he openly supported President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, insisting that he did not act secretly or deceptively.

“Openly, I supported Asiwaju Tinubu in 2023, and I didn’t hide it. Till now, I am still there. I didn’t jump. I have said it to you, I am not a member of the APC, and I will never be,” he said.(Punch)