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: Siminalayi Fubara
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Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara Credits Nyesom Wike for Political Rise Despite Rift
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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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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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Rivers Assembly Re-ignites Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara
In a report by The Punch, the political crisis in Rivers State intensified as the State House of Assembly reportedly commenced a third attempt at impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. The development follows months of fragile calm that appears to have broken down.
Lawmakers divided into rival factions cited alleged “gross misconduct” as the basis for the move. Security personnel were reported around the assembly complex as members met to consider formal notices.
Legal observers have raised questions about constitutionality given earlier court actions, while pro-Fubara supporters described the effort as a political vendetta meant to destabilize governance and disrupt projects.
Channels TV and The Sun also reported heightened tension in Port Harcourt and security presence around the assembly.
Echotitbits take: Rivers remains a flashpoint for Nigerian political volatility. Expect prolonged litigation and political brinkmanship, potentially escalating to higher courts in 2026.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/breaking-rivers-assembly-begins-impeachment-proceedings-against-fubara/ 2026-01-09
Photo 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
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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 assembly rejects N100,000 Christmas credit, cites due‑process breach
2025-12-31 09:14:00
In a report published by PUNCH, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly said they rejected—and moved to return—N100,000 credited to each lawmaker’s account as a Christmas bonus, arguing it did not follow proper authorisation.
The lawmakers framed the transfer as an ‘unapproved’ payment and linked it to the wider political standoff in the state, insisting the executive must adhere strictly to constitutional and budget processes.
The development adds another flashpoint to Rivers’ tense political climate, with analysts watching for how it affects governance, budgeting and the executive‑legislature relationship in early 2026.
Vanguard reported that assembly members “have returned the N100,000 Christmas bonus given to them by the governor,” while Leadership said lawmakers “have rejected the N100,000 Christmas Bonus credited to their personal bank accounts.”
Echotitbits take: Beyond the headline, this is a proxy fight over legitimacy and control of state institutions. Expect more legal manoeuvres and competing public narratives. Watch whether public finance processes (appropriation, releases, oversight) become the next battleground.
Source: The Punch — December 31, 2025 (https://punchng.com/rivers-lawmakers-reject-fubaras-n100000-christmas-bonus/)
The Punch December 31, 2025
Photo Credit: The Punch