Fresh political tension has reportedly erupted in Rivers State following the collapse of a peace pact reached ahead of the expiration of the state of emergency and disagreements over a proposed supplementary budget linked to allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Legit9ja reports that the renewed face-off comes amid Wike’s sustained public attacks on Fubara over his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It would be recalled that in June, the National Assembly approved a ₦1.48 trillion appropriation for Rivers State during the tenure of Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s administrator under emergency rule.
However, sources familiar with developments in the state revealed that the rift resurfaced after Wike reportedly pushed for a supplementary appropriation through lawmakers loyal to him. Governor Fubara was said to have rejected the move, insisting that the budget approved by the National Assembly was adequate to run the state for the remainder of 2025.
According to TheCable, following Fubara’s refusal to approve the supplementary budget, Wike convened a meeting with key political allies, including members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, at the residence of prominent political elder, Ferdinand Anabraba, in Port Harcourt.
A source present at the meeting disclosed that Wike openly declared his readiness for another political battle with the governor.
“Wike told them plainly that he was declaring fresh war on Fubara,” the source said.
Fubara’s Defection To APC
An insider who spoke to TheCable revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Fubara’s defection to the APC after the governor perceived an imminent political confrontation with Wike.
The move was also reportedly welcomed by APC governors, partly due to lingering tensions between them and Wike.
According to the source, “The thinking was that fully bringing Fubara into the APC would weaken Wike’s political leverage.”
Failed Peace Pact And Commissioner Appointments
As part of earlier peace talks involving President Tinubu and Wike, Fubara was said to have agreed not to seek a second term in office. However, indications suggest that the governor may now contest re-election under his new party platform.
Sources further disclosed that one of Wike’s conditions before the lifting of the state of emergency was the reinstatement of Sergeant Awuse, the traditional ruler of the Emohua Kingdom, as chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Awuse, a known ally of Wike, was removed by Fubara in June 2024 and replaced with Chike Worlu Wodo.
Wike was also said to have demanded the appointment of new commissioners, a request the governor allegedly declined to implement.
“Fubara felt those conditions would completely undermine his authority as governor. That was the final straw,” the source added.