Fresh Political Storm Erupts in Rivers as Wike–Fubara Rift Reignites

Barely three months after a fragile truce was negotiated between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, tensions in Rivers State are rising again—signaling the return of a crisis many believed had been laid to rest.

DAILY POST gathered that lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are preparing for another confrontation with the governor, reopening old political wounds.

The feud between Wike and his political protégé erupted in late 2023, driven by a fierce struggle for control of the state’s political structure. By 2024, the rift deepened as the Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly threw its weight behind the former governor.

The conflict worsened after 27 lawmakers aligned with Wike defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on December 11, 2023. In response, pro-Fubara legislators declared their seats vacant on July 6, 2024, heightening the tension.

As the crisis spiraled, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency on May 18, 2025, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly. Peace seemed restored after Tinubu brokered a settlement on July 27, 2025, at a meeting with the warring parties.

Fresh Trouble Begins

The fragile calm began to unravel on December 1, 2025, when Speaker Amaewhule publicly criticized Governor Fubara’s handling of public education. In a viral video, he condemned what he described as alarming decay in primary and secondary schools—ranging from vandalized facilities to severe teacher shortages.

Two days later, the situation escalated. Sixteen lawmakers, including Amaewhule and Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, officially dumped Fubara’s PDP for the APC, signaling a fresh political showdown.

The defecting lawmakers include Major Jack, Linda Stewart, Franklin Nwabochi, Azeru Opara, Smart Adoki, Enemi George, Solomon Wami, Aforji, Tekena Wellington, Looloo Opuende, Peter Abbey, Arnold Dennis, Chimezie Nwankwo, and Ofiks Kabang.

Assembly Takes Aim at Fubara Again

Another flashpoint emerged on Friday when the Assembly queried the governor’s delay in submitting new commissioner-nominees for screening. After the lifting of the emergency rule, lawmakers had directed Fubara to present a fresh list following the dismissal of commissioners whose appointments were deemed invalid.

The governor has yet to comply—fueling renewed confrontation.

Political Stakeholders Express Concern

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairman in Rivers, Leader Sampson, condemned the resurgence of hostilities, warning politicians against plunging the state back into turmoil.

“This is not what Rivers people need right now,” he said. “We always knew that the so-called peace deal served the interests of a few individuals. The moment Amaewhule criticized the governor, it was clear something was brewing.”

He accused the lawmakers of using public-school concerns as a pretext to destabilize the government.

Also commenting, PDP chieftain Austin Okai questioned why Governor Fubara remained in the PDP while Wike’s faction moved to the APC after reconciliation.

“Wike’s train left for the APC without him,” Okai said. “He is now isolated. Even those who once stood with him have abandoned him after he went back to his vomit.”

With tensions rising once more, Rivers residents brace for another turbulent political season—one many fear could overwhelm the state if not swiftly contained.