According to Vanguard reporting on February 14, 2026, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made a surprise public acknowledgment of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, asserting that his emergence as governor would have been impossible without Wike’s mentorship. Speaking at a ceremony where he received the “New Telegraph Man of the Year Award,” Fubara dedicated the honor to the FCT Minister, describing him as the one who “discovered” him and provided the platform to achieve political prominence.
The governor’s remarks come at a time of high political tension in Rivers State, characterized by a long-standing standoff between his loyalists and those of the Minister. Fubara emphasized that regardless of current interpretations of their relationship, he remains grateful for the initial support that shaped his career. This gesture is being viewed by some as a potential olive branch, though the Governor also reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Rivers State.
Validating reports from The Punch and Daily Post confirm the Governor’s statement during the Friday evening event. The Punch noted that “the governor’s public appreciation was a shift from the recent hostile rhetoric,” while Daily Post quoted Fubara directly: “I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it… without him, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor.”
Echotitbits take: This development suggests a tactical pivot in the Rivers political crisis. While it may not signal a full reconciliation, Fubara’s acknowledgment of Wike’s role could be an attempt to lower the political temperature ahead of the 2027 cycle. Watch for whether this leads to a reduction in legislative and judicial skirmishes in the state.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-fubara-remains-my-political-son-despite-rift-wike/, February 14, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
Tag: FCT Minister
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Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara Credits Nyesom Wike for Political Rise Despite Rift
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NLC Backs Indefinite FCTA Strike as Abuja Faces Administrative Paralysis
Daily Post reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has endorsed an indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), warning of broader escalation if demands on welfare and unpaid benefits are not addressed. The action has reportedly disrupted key public services in Abuja, including administrative processing and municipal functions.
The union leadership framed the dispute as a confrontation over worker treatment and governance responsiveness, with threats of an expanded solidarity strike that could have wider economic consequences.
Vanguard and Tribune Online also reported on the mounting tension and resident impacts, including service backlogs and sanitation challenges.
Echotitbits take: Abuja is a political nerve center; prolonged paralysis is rarely tolerated by the federal system. Expect emergency negotiations, but also watch whether the NLC is using this as a leverage test for broader labor positioning against the administration.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/nlc-backs-fcta-workers-strike-over-unpaid-wages/ 2026-01-24Photo Credit: The Punch
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Fresh Turmoil in Rivers as Wike Challenges APC National Leadership
Reporting by the Nigerian Observer indicates that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to stay clear of the political affairs of Rivers State. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, Wike described Rivers as a ‘no-go area’ for external meddlers, signaling a deepening rift within the political alliances supporting the current administration.
The friction intensified after the APC secretariat cautioned against the ‘disrespect’ of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by some party members. Wike countered this by claiming that those now intervening were absent when the struggle to support the Presidency was ‘hot,’ and accused them of only showing interest now that ‘food is ready’ in the form of state resources.
The political spat was further validated by Premium Times and Channels TV. Premium Times noted the ‘APC national secretary calls for Wike’s resignation as minister,’ while Channels TV reported that ‘Wike accuses Rivers political leaders of misleading Fubara,’ emphasizing that existing political agreements must be honored to maintain order in the state.
Echotitbits take: The Wike-Fubara feud has evolved from a local state crisis into a national party headache. Wike’s public rebuke of his own party’s national secretary shows he is unwilling to cede his role as the ultimate power broker in Rivers. Watch for how the Presidency manages this ‘civil war’ to prevent it from affecting the stability of the ruling coalition.
Source: Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/apc-draws-battle-line-with-wike-over-rivers-political-control/ January 6 2026Photo Credit: Guardian