According to reports from DAILY POST on Saturday, May 17, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly identified the individuals he considers his political adversaries in the ongoing turmoil in Rivers State. Contrary to widespread speculation, Wike clarified that his disagreement is not with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, but rather with other political figures whom he accused of instigating conflict for personal gain.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin, released on Saturday, Wike insisted that his fallout is not with his one-time political ally and now suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. Instead, he pointed fingers at former political office holders Celestine Omehia, Abiye Sekibo, and Austin Okpara, whom he accused of attempting to benefit from a political structure they did not contribute to building.
“I am not fighting Fubara,” Wike stated. “The real battle is against people like Celestine Omehia, Abiye Sekibo, and Austin Okpara. These are individuals who want to reap where they have not sown. I defeated them before, and I will do it again decisively.”
Wike also alleged that these three politicians are behind the current crisis between him and Governor Fubara, accusing them of manipulating the governor to challenge his authority and destabilize the political harmony in Rivers State. He maintained that the trio had previously been sidelined by the people of the state due to their political miscalculations and now seek relevance through divisive tactics.
His remarks come amidst reports that Governor Fubara, recently suspended by President Bola Tinubu after a State of Emergency was declared in Rivers State, has expressed regret over his perceived role in the feud and has extended an apology to Wike in an effort to de-escalate tensions.
The deepening political crisis in Rivers State has drawn national attention in recent months, with analysts warning that unresolved tensions among key power players could undermine governance in the oil-rich state. Wike, a former governor of Rivers, remains an influential figure in the state’s political landscape and within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Find Verified News At Your fingertips Click The Button Below
