Wike Accuses Fubara of Neglecting Governance, Chasing Second-Term Bid

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of abandoning governance to pursue personal political ambitions.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said the governor has failed to present the state’s appropriation bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly. He warned that the delay threatens the delivery of essential services to residents and reflects misplaced priorities.

“The governor is yet to submit his budget to the House of Assembly, but he is busy pursuing his second-term ambition,” Wike said.

He also accused Fubara of reneging on commitments made during the political crisis that nearly led to his impeachment, recalling that President Bola Tinubu had intervened to broker peace. According to Wike, the governor had agreed at the time not to seek re-election, but has since backtracked.

The rift between both leaders has polarised the Rivers State House of Assembly into rival factions. In December 2024, Fubara presented a ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget to a faction loyal to him and led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.

However, the Supreme Court on February 28 upheld a judgment restraining the release of Rivers State’s statutory allocations. The court directed the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation to withhold funds until the governor presents the budget to the faction led by Martin Amaewhule, who is loyal to Wike.

Following the ruling, Fubara wrote to the Amaewhule-led Assembly proposing a March date for the budget presentation. But when he arrived at the Assembly quarters with his cabinet, he was denied access despite prior notice.

While Fubara insists he has complied with the Supreme Court directive, the Wike-aligned faction claims no formal communication was received from the governor, accusing him of insincerity.