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: Political News
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Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara Credits Nyesom Wike for Political Rise Despite Rift
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Federal High Court Denies Bail to Bauchi Finance Commissioner in Terror Probe
According to The Guardian, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused bail to Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, and three others facing charges of terrorism financing and money laundering. The court’s decision follows an arraignment on a 10-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC has dismissed claims by Governor Bala Mohammed that the trial is a political witch-hunt. Wilson Uwujaren, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, stated that the agency operates independently and is not acting on political instructions, despite the governor’s allegations that he is being targeted for refusing to defect to the ruling party. The case was also covered by Premium Times and Daily Post. Premium Times detailed that the ‘defendants were arraigned on Wednesday, December 31, 2025,’ while Daily Post reported that the court has ‘adjourned the case till January 6’ for further hearing on the substantive matter.
Echotitbits take: This case is a high-stakes legal battle that tests the independence of the EFCC. If the prosecution proves terrorism financing, it could have massive political ramifications for the Bauchi state government. Watch for the evidence presented in the next hearing to see if the ‘political harassment’ narrative holds weight.
Source: ThePunch – https://punchng.com/terror-financing-court-denies-bauchi-commissioner-bail-cites-national-security/ January 6 2026
Photo Credit: ThePunch