Minister declares end to political interference from Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no influential figure from “the top” will stop his mission to remove Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office.
Speaking on Monday, January 5, 2026, during a meeting with his political associates in Port Harcourt, Wike insisted that the time for peace accords has passed. He maintained that the political structure he built in the state must be respected, regardless of the governor’s current position or connections.
The former governor expressed frustration with what he described as a betrayal of the political family that brought Fubara to power. Wike stated that he is no longer interested in phone calls from high-ranking officials seeking to broker another truce between him and his successor. He asserted that the “mistake” made during the last election must be corrected to ensure the political stability of the oil-rich state.
According to reports, the Minister emphasized that he remains the leader of the political “mainstream” in Rivers State. He challenged the governor to test his popularity on the ground rather than relying on the “temporary protection” of the seat of power. This latest declaration has significantly increased political tensions in the state, as supporters on both sides brace for a definitive showdown in the coming months.
Conflict escalates over Rivers State political structure
The root of the ongoing crisis remains the control of the political machinery in Rivers State, which Wike claims Fubara is trying to dismantle. The Minister argued that the governor has systematically targeted his loyalists in the state’s local government councils and the House of Assembly. He warned that any attempt to “reap where one did not sow” would be met with stiff resistance through all available legal and political channels.
Wike also addressed rumors that he was being pressured by the Presidency to back down, stating that his loyalty to the “Renewed Hope” agenda does not mean he will allow his “home base” to be destroyed. He clarified that his relationship with President Bola Tinubu remains solid, but his local political survival is a separate matter. For the Minister, the battle is about “justice and fairness” for the people who worked for the party’s success in 2023.
The Governor, on the other hand, has continued to maintain that he is the “001” of the state and is answerable only to the people of Rivers. Fubara recently stated that he would not be intimidated by those who act as though they are “God.” This “war of words” has paralyzed several administrative functions in the state, with the legislative arm remains split into two rival factions.
Legal battles and the threat of impeachment
The threat of impeachment continues to hang over the Fubara administration as the faction of the House of Assembly loyal to Wike remains active. While several court injunctions have stalled the process in the past, Wike’s recent comments suggest a renewed push to use constitutional means to remove the governor. Legal analysts suggest that the coming weeks will see a flurry of new litigations as both sides seek a “knockout blow” in the courts.
Sources close to the Wike camp indicate that they are currently reviewing the governor’s recent budgetary expenditures and administrative appointments for potential “constitutional breaches.” They argue that the governor’s decision to present the 2026 budget to a “minority” group of lawmakers is a ground for removal. The pro-Wike lawmakers have consistently boycotted official state functions, claiming they do not recognize the governor’s current leadership style.
Supporters of Fubara have labeled these moves as a “civilian coup” and have called on the international community to intervene. They argue that the governor should be allowed to fulfill his four-year mandate without constant harassment from his predecessor. The Rivers State Elders Council has also made several unsuccessful attempts to mediate, with both parties now appearing unwilling to return to the negotiating table.
Implications for 2027 and regional security
The ongoing feud in Rivers State is seen as a major factor that will shape the 2027 general elections in the South-South region. As a major source of revenue and votes, the stability of the state is critical for any national political party. The current division has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a state of disarray, with many members defecting to either the APC or the ADC.
Security agencies have expressed concern that the political heating could lead to a breakdown of law and order in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas. There have been sporadic reports of clashes between rival youth groups claiming allegiance to the two leaders. The Nigeria Police Force has increased its surveillance across the state to prevent any escalation of violence during political rallies.
As Wike insists that “nobody will call him” to stop his mission, the state enters a period of heightened uncertainty. The Minister’s vow to “correct the mistake” is a clear signal that the political war in Rivers State has entered a new, more aggressive phase. The eyes of the nation remain fixed on the “Treasure Base of the Nation” as the drama between the godfather and his estranged godson reaches a fever pitch.
