- Says Fubara Surrounded Himself With People Who Lobbied Him to Be Governor
- We Are Ready To Shock The World In 7 days– N’ Delta Youths
- Don’t Take Fubara’s Simplicity For Weakness – SSG Danagogo
Political tensions in Rivers State have escalated as a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, continues to play out in public view.
Once allies, their relationship has rapidly deteriorated, revealing deep cracks in the state’s political leadership.
At the heart of the conflict is Wike’s belief that Fubara is unfit to govern effectively, a sentiment he did not hesitate to express at a recent gathering of his supporters.
Addressing a crowd on Saturday, Wike mocked his successor’s current struggles, likening his predicament to a football match where he is already “2-0 down.”
The former governor was referring to a recent Supreme Court ruling that forced Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget and reconduct local government elections.
Wike’s grievances stem from what he perceives as Fubara’s poor choice of advisers—individuals who, according to him, previously sought the governorship but were denied.
“You [Fubara] surrounded yourself with people who wanted to be governor, whom I said ‘no, these people don’t mean well for Rivers State,’” Wike said.
“They will give bad advice, and look at what bad advice is doing to you. There’s more to come.”
Beyond the verbal jabs, the battle has real political and economic implications. The feud has already led to significant disruptions in the Rivers State government, with the state assembly adjourning indefinitely amid the turmoil.
Furthermore, the crisis has spilled beyond the political arena, triggering outrage among various Niger Delta youth groups. The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) has now entered the fray, issuing a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu.
The group has threatened to shut down oil production across the region if its demands are not met. Their demands include the immediate restoration of Rivers State’s statutory revenue allocation, an end to impeachment threats against Fubara, and a public apology from Wike for alleged anti-Ijaw remarks.
In a letter signed by NDYC President Bene Youkore Mamamu, the group accused the Tinubu administration of enabling Wike and the judiciary to suppress the Ijaw people.
“We are ready to shock the world in seven days,” the letter stated, hinting at the economic ramifications of a potential oil shutdown.
Amidst the political storm, Governor Fubara has maintained a calm and measured approach, avoiding direct confrontations with his predecessor. However, his Secretary to the Government, Tammy Danagogo, has warned that this should not be mistaken for weakness.
Danagogo defended the governor’s handling of the situation, particularly in response to Wike’s criticism of his role in the administration. Wike had labeled Danagogo’s letter inviting lawmakers to meet with the governor as “useless.”
However, Danagogo argued that such communication fell within his official responsibilities and was not an overreach.
He also commended Fubara for his restraint, particularly in light of the recent closure of the state assembly complex, which prevented him from presenting the 2025 budget. “What matters is the result,” Danagogo said. “Who has high blood pressure now? Not us. We are sitting back and enjoying, while they are struggling.”
As Rivers State braces for more political drama, one thing is clear: the battle between Wike and Fubara is far from over. With threats of economic disruption looming and the governor’s authority under challenge, the coming weeks could determine the future of the state’s leadership.
Will Fubara emerge unscathed, or will Wike’s influence prove too powerful to overcome? The answer may lie in the governor’s next move.
