Wike’s Shock Revelation: Sought Fubara’s Exit, Tinubu’s Rule Saved Rivers!

 Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, revealed on April 17, 2025, that he actively sought the removal of his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid a protracted political feud that destabilized the oil-rich state. 

Speaking candidly, Wike credited President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, with averting a governance collapse in Rivers. Tinubu’s decisive action suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers House of Assembly for six months, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval officer, as sole administrator to restore order.

The 14-month conflict, rooted in a battle for political control, saw 27 pro-Wike lawmakers attempt to impeach Fubara, paralyzing legislative functions and disrupting local governance. The crisis cost Rivers an estimated $50 million in oil revenue due to vandalism and halted projects, impacting Nigeria’s position as Africa’s top oil producer.

Tinubu invoked Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution, citing threats to national security, including pipeline attacks that reduced output by 20%. Wike defended the emergency rule, arguing it prevented anarchy, but critics, led by former governor Rotimi Amaechi, labeled it an unconstitutional power grab, accusing Tinubu of positioning allies for the 2027 elections. 

The Nigerian Senate’s April 17 debate saw 60% of lawmakers challenge the declaration’s legality, demanding judicial review. Fubara, now relocated from the Government House, has appealed for calm, while Ibas oversees a 90-day reconciliation plan, engaging 7 million Rivers residents to rebuild trust.