Fayose Expresses Surprise at Wike-Fubara Feud, Urges Caution as Rivers Crisis Deepens

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has stated he did not foresee the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He cautioned Governor Fubara to tread carefully amidst the ongoing instability in the state.

Fayose made these remarks during a Friday interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, reflecting on the breakdown between the former allies.

“I never knew this thing would ever happen,” Fayose said, disclosing that he was present at Fubara’s inauguration. He added that he personally advised the new governor at the time against a fallout with his predecessor, Wike.

His comments come amid renewed political tensions in Rivers State, despite previous reconciliation efforts, including intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

Reports indicate President Tinubu has again stepped in, with sources revealing he recently summoned Wike for discussions. It is also gathered that Governor Fubara travelled out of Nigeria on Thursday, reportedly for a meeting with the President in France, aimed at resolving the standoff.

These developments coincide with a fresh impeachment move against Fubara and his deputy by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are believed to be loyal to Wike. The Assembly, on Thursday, read a notice of allegations including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, and withholding of funds.

The power struggle, which intensified months after Fubara took office, had led to a presidential brokered truce in December 2023. That agreement later collapsed, leading President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing insecurity and administrative paralysis. This suspended Fubara’s executive powers for six months.

Separately, Fayose also spoke about his political stance, reaffirming his open support for President Tinubu in the 2023 election while maintaining that he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He stressed the importance of speaking truthfully about the party’s challenges.