Abuja, Nigeria — Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has said he did not foresee the political rupture between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, calling on the governor to tread carefully as tensions escalate in Rivers State. Fayose spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, reflecting on the prolonged crisis affecting governance in the oil‑rich state.
Fayose said he was present at Fubara’s inauguration and had advised him not to fall out with Wike, who was once his political godfather. “Let me quickly say this. I never knew this thing would ever happen between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,” Fayose said, adding that he told Wike at the event that he wanted to offer counsel to Fubara “not to betray you.”
The veteran politician’s comments come amid renewed political tension in Rivers State following the collapse of earlier reconciliation efforts, including interventions by President Bola Tinubu. Fayose noted indications that the President has been drawn back into the dispute, with a source close to the Presidency saying Tinubu recently summoned Wike for talks expected to occur outside Nigeria.
Fresh political turbulence has emerged against the backdrop of a new impeachment move against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to Wike. During Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, a notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Fubara was formally read, outlining claims including demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy.
The political standoff in Rivers State traces back to a breakdown in relations between Fubara and Wike after Fubara’s election in 2023. Earlier national efforts to manage the crisis included a 2025 state of emergency declared by President Tinubu, which suspended Fubara’s executive powers for six months and installed a sole administrator to oversee the state.
Fayose also addressed his long‑standing political stance, asserting that his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not prevent him from speaking frankly about party challenges. “Everybody stands where they will be able to say the truth to Nigerians. I am not contesting elections, and I have not asked anybody for favours,” he said.
The renewed push for impeachment follows a fragile truce between Fubara and Wike that earlier appeared to ease political tensions. As proceedings advance, stakeholders have emphasised the need for calm and adherence to constitutional processes to ensure stability in governance and prevent further disruption to public administration in Rivers State.
Next steps: The impeachment process is ongoing, with political watchers monitoring federal and state responses to the escalating dispute and its implications for governance in Rivers State.
