Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has revealed that he intended to remove Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office but was stopped by President Bola Tinubu. According to Wike, the president’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers effectively saved Fubara from being ousted.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike expressed his disapproval of the state of emergency but admitted it was Tinubu’s decision that kept Fubara in office. He stated that before the president’s intervention, the governor’s position had become unstable.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state legislature. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed to manage the state’s affairs during the emergency.
Wike, a key figure in the ongoing political conflict in Rivers, said he is open to dialogue but accused Fubara’s advisers of blocking reconciliation efforts. He claimed they have been advising the governor against peace talks.
The political tension in Rivers State has sparked widespread national debate. Critics, including opposition leaders and legal analysts, have questioned the legality of the state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials. Many argue that such federal actions could weaken democratic processes and set a dangerous precedent.
