The political atmosphere in Rivers State is expected to heat up in the coming months following indications that the lingering rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara may not be fully resolved.
This development comes after Wike announced that political activities in the state would formally resume from January 2026, raising fresh questions about the sustainability of the much-publicised peace efforts within the state’s political class.
The FCT minister made the declaration on Saturday during a briefing with stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, shortly after attending the annual thanksgiving ceremony of the Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, Chibudom Nwuche. The event was held in Ochigba community, Ahoada East LGA.
Speaking at the gathering, Wike took a swipe at unnamed individuals he accused of reaping the benefits of sacrifices made by others during the 2023 general elections, particularly in support of President Bola Tinubu. According to him, many who now openly praise the President failed to stand up when political tensions were high and public support for Tinubu was risky.
“In 2023, it was difficult for many people to come out and say ‘vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’” Wike said. “But we did it when it was tough. We stood firm and said, ‘on your mandate we stand.’ Today, that mandate is strong in Rivers State because of you.”
He questioned the sudden loyalty being expressed by some political actors, asking where they were during the critical period of the electioneering campaign when mobilisation and public support were most needed.
Wike assured his supporters that their loyalty and sacrifices would not be forgotten, stressing that their efforts were the foundation of the President’s political strength in the state.
While he refrained from naming those he accused of political opportunism, the minister was emphatic that his camp would not be sidelined going forward.
“And we are going forward from January next year,” he declared. “Let me inform you, we will start politics.”
The former Rivers State governor also reiterated his stance on political agreements, insisting that he would not be part of any arrangement that could not be honoured.
“You know me, I believe in agreement is agreement,” Wike said. “Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it. Whatever you agree to in the morning, you must agree to in the night.”
He maintained that he has never hidden his political position and acknowledged that his insistence on loyalty and agreement-keeping has earned him criticism from some quarters.
Despite the tensions, Wike reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu and thanked the people of Ahoada for their consistent backing over the years, assuring them that there was no cause for alarm.
“There is nothing to fear,” he said, adding that the time to speak more fully would come later.
The thanksgiving ceremony drew several political heavyweights, including Senators Magnus Abe, Philip Aduda, Wilson Ake and Olaka Wogu. Also in attendance were ambassador-designate Aaron Chukwuemeka, OCJ Okocha, Ferdinand Anabrabra, and other notable figures from across the South-South region.
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