NIGERIA: I Wanted Fubara Removed, Not Emergency Rule – Wike Speaks Out

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has openly expressed discontent with the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

He stated that his preference was for the outright removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike made the statement during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, where he addressed the deepening political crisis that has rocked Rivers State for months.

The minister admitted that while he would have preferred Fubara’s removal, he acknowledged the president’s decision as a necessary step to avert total breakdown of law and order in the state.

“I am not happy with the state of emergency. I wanted the outright removal of the governor. But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy,” Wike said.

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers in March, citing rising insecurity, pipeline vandalism, and political instability.

As part of the proclamation, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months.

In their stead, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Wike, who has been locked in a political power struggle with Fubara since the latter assumed office, did not hide his frustration over the president’s intervention, arguing that Fubara was no longer fit to govern.

“The matter is in court, but people must say the truth. The governor was gone. It is not in my place to make it good for the governor. As a politician, my business is not to make him comfortable, and that is why there is power play,” Wike declared.

The feud between the two political heavyweights has deeply polarized the state’s political landscape.

It led to the defection of 27 members of the state House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress (APC), resulting in factional assemblies and rival speakers.

While the suspension of the key political figures has been welcomed by some as a move to restore order, critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent for democratic governance and state autonomy.

With court proceedings ongoing and political tempers still flaring, the future of governance in Rivers State remains uncertain.

However, Wike’s latest remarks have added a new layer to the unfolding drama, raising questions about the extent of political influence behind the scenes.