Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he personally wanted Governor Siminalayi Fubara impeached, but praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for stepping in to save Rivers State from what he described as imminent chaos.
Speaking during a media parley with select journalists in Abuja on Friday, the former Rivers State governor opened up about the deepening political crisis in his home state. Wike acknowledged that while he was not entirely pleased with the declaration of a state of emergency, he supported President Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly.
“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. I wanted the outright impeachment of the governor,” Wike said. “But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy.”
President Tinubu’s move to suspend the elected officials and appoint a sole administrator has triggered mixed reactions across the country, with some praising the move as bold leadership, while others warn of its implications on democratic institutions.
Wike, however, insists the president’s intervention was not only necessary but timely.
“The governor was gone. He was gone, yes,” Wike stated. “So when people say the president did this or that, I say they should be praising him.”
With his characteristic flair, Wike added: “Every morning, they should go to the president and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’”
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers stems from a bitter fallout between Wike and his successor, Fubara — a relationship that once appeared unbreakable. Analysts believe the rift may have deeper political undertones ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For now, the future of governance in Rivers remains uncertain as stakeholders and citizens await the next chapter in this unfolding political drama.