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: Nyesom Wike
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Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara Credits Nyesom Wike for Political Rise Despite Rift
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Wike Announces Grand Plans for FCT at 50 Celebrations
According to reporting by The Punch, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially announced plans for a landmark celebration to mark Abuja’s 50th anniversary. The “FCT at 50” events are expected to showcase the city’s transformation from a virgin territory in 1976 to a modern African metropolis. The Minister noted that the celebration would include the commissioning of several multi-billion naira infrastructure projects.
The festivities are designed to promote Abuja as a premier destination for tourism and investment in West Africa. Wike emphasized that the milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on the city’s master plan and recommit to urban renewal efforts. Key highlights will include cultural festivals, investment summits, and the honoring of the city’s founding fathers.
Daily Post and Leadership have both featured the Minister’s announcement. Daily Post reported that “the FCT administration is collaborating with private sector partners to fund the anniversary events.” Leadership Newspaper mentioned that “residents are expecting a facelift of several satellite towns as part of the celebratory projects.”
Echotitbits take:
Under Wike’s tenure, Abuja has seen a rapid acceleration of road and bridge construction. Using the 50th anniversary as a deadline for these projects is a clever political and administrative move to ensure completion. Expect a significant boost in the local hospitality sector during the anniversary month, though residents should prepare for temporary traffic diversions.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/abuja-50-golden-jubilee-drives-renewed-infrastructure-push-wike/, February 5, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
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Wike Asserts Authority in Rivers State Amid Lingering Political Crisis
In an update published by The Punch on February 1st, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he remains the dominant political force in Rivers State. Speaking at a civic reception in his honor, Wike assured his supporters that they could “sleep with both eyes closed” because his camp remains firmly in control of the state’s political structure despite his role in Abuja.
According to Vanguard News, Wike’s comments have reignited the cold war between his loyalists and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The report highlights that Wike used the event to showcase his influence, including his role in recommending top officials for federal appointments. “I have always said that appreciation is the currency of loyalty, and we will continue to reward those who stand with us,” Wike reportedly told the crowd.
Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains tense following the Minister’s pronouncements. The outlet quoted a local activist who warned: “The continued power struggle between the FCT Minister and the Governor is distracting from governance and could lead to further instability in the Niger Delta region.”
Echotitbits take: The Rivers crisis is no longer just a state matter; it is a significant government policy and security headache for the presidency. Wike’s “I am in charge” stance suggests that no reconciliation is in sight, which could impact the 2027 presidential calculations for the South-South region.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-were-in-charge-says-wike/, February 1, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
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Strike Action Cripples FCTA as Workers Demand Removal of Minister Wike
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have commenced an indefinite strike in Abuja. Protesters gathered at the National Industrial Court on January 26, 2026, demanding the removal of the FCT Minister amid unresolved labor disputes.
Workers cite unpaid promotion arrears and insufficient working tools, framing the situation as a violation of their rights and welfare. The industrial action has reportedly disrupted administrative activities across the FCT, with labor leaders insisting the strike will continue until meaningful concessions are achieved.
Separate coverage also referenced court-related developments and included statements supporting the legitimacy of the protest action. The “Wike must go” demand, however, elevates the dispute beyond a standard wage-and-welfare negotiation and into a politically sensitive confrontation.
Echotitbits take: Minister Nyesom Wike is known for his hardline approach to administration, but this labor confrontation could slow down his ambitious infrastructure projects in Abuja. Negotiation is likely, but the “Wike must go” demand makes it a high-stakes political standoff.
Source: TVC News – https://www.tvcnews.tv/wike-takes-striking-fcta-workers-to-court/ 2026-01-26Photo Credit: TVC News
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Rivers State Political Turmoil Intensifies as Fubara Faces Third Impeachment Move
Premium Times reports that Rivers State’s House of Assembly has served a fresh impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, marking the third impeachment attempt in under three years. The Assembly reportedly asked the state’s Chief Judge to constitute a seven-member investigative panel.
The latest escalation follows a Friday ruling by the Rivers State High Court, which suspended an earlier order restraining the Chief Judge from acting on the Assembly’s request. The Assembly—described as largely aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—alleges gross misconduct and constitutional violations, amid a prolonged power struggle between the governor and his predecessor’s political bloc.
ThisDay and The Nation also reported the judicial and legislative back-and-forth, including concerns raised by legal practitioners over the uncertainty created by repeated reversals.
Echotitbits take: With the restraining order suspended, the procedural path for lawmakers to advance the impeachment appears clearer. Expect urgent appellate filings by the governor’s legal team, but the risk of administrative paralysis in Rivers State is now materially elevated.
Source : The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/just-in-impeachment-of-fubara-deputyll-continue-rivers-lawmakers/%3famp 2026-01-24Photo Credit: The Punch
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Court Halts Impeachment Move Against Rivers Governor Fubara
A Rivers State High Court in Oyigbo has issued a temporary injunction restraining the House of Assembly from proceeding with impeachment steps against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, pending determination of a suit challenging the process.
Reports indicate heightened political tension, shifting allegiances among lawmakers, and increased security around the Assembly complex as rival factions contest institutional control.
Echotitbits take: The crisis has moved decisively into the courts. The injunction buys time, but governance risk persists until political actors find a durable settlement beyond litigation.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/850064-court-stops-impeachment-move-against-fubara-deputy.html (January 17, 2026)
Photo Credit: Premium Times
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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
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Wike Warns APC National Secretary to Stay Out of Rivers Politics
Reporting by the Nigerian Observer (via Leadership/The Nation feeds) indicates that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a stern warning to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, to refrain from interfering in the internal politics of Rivers State. Speaking during a visit to Oyigbo, Wike cautioned that the support given to President Tinubu should not be taken for granted and described the state as a ‘no-go area’ for external meddlers. The friction arose after Basiru reportedly warned APC leaders in Rivers to stop ‘disrespecting’ Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike countered by challenging ‘greedy politicians’ who he claims are only interested in the state’s treasury now that ‘food is ready,’ referencing the political stability and resources he helped secure. The political spat was also tracked by The Nation and Daily Post. The Nation reported that ‘Wike accuses Rivers political leaders of misleading Fubara,’ while Daily Post noted the APC scribe’s call for ‘Wike’s resignation as minister’ to face Rivers politics squarely.
Echotitbits take: The ‘cold war’ in Rivers has now turned into a multi-party proxy battle. Wike’s warning to the APC national leadership shows he is still the primary power broker in the state, despite his cabinet role in Abuja. Watch for whether this internal friction forces the presidency to mediate between its minister and the party’s secretariat.
Source: TheCable – https://www.thecable.ng/your-hands-will-burn-wike-warns-apc-national-secretary-basiru-to-steer-clear-of-rivers-politics/ January 6 2026
Photo Credit: TheCable
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Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension
Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Rivers State Executive Council has approved a N1.8 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget is intended to facilitate the completion of major infrastructure projects and advance social development across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened political friction between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Despite the administrative progress, the political environment remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations regarding the leadership of the state.
Premium Times reported on the ‘sounds of war’ following recent threats, highlighting that the political divide is affecting governance. Meanwhile, The Cable quoted former Governor Orji Kalu, who stated that ‘Governors, not Tinubu, are responsible for tackling insecurity,’ placing the onus of regional stability back on state leadership.
Echotitbits take: Rivers State’s massive budget reflects its status as an economic powerhouse, but political instability could deter the very investors the state needs. Watch for whether the House of Assembly, currently split by loyalty, provides a smooth passage for this appropriation bill.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-executive-council-approves-n1-8tn-2026-budget/
The Punch January 3, 2026Photo Credit: The Punch
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PDP Leadership Crisis Deepens Over INEC Recognition
The PDP NWC led by Tanimu Turaki insists it is the party’s authentic leadership with INEC recognition, while a rival faction allied to Nyesom Wike claims a caretaker committee is in charge. The feud threatens to destabilise the party ahead of Ekiti 2026.
PUNCH
11 Dec 2025