‘Fubara Is Biggest Loser, I Pity Him’ – Wike Names Politicians He Says Misled Rivers Governor

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused four close associates of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of misleading him and worsening the political crisis that engulfed the state.

Speaking during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike identified Edison Ehie, Chijioke Ihunwo, Victor Oko Jumbo and activist Ankio Briggs as the individuals he claimed influenced the governor with poor advice.

According to the former Rivers governor, the quartet repeatedly encouraged Fubara to take decisions that prolonged the political standoff between both camps.

Wike alleged that the governor abandoned agreements reached after the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu, insisting that those around him persuaded him to ignore the resolutions.

“I feel for Governor Siminalayi Fubara because he is the biggest loser,” Wike said.

He maintained that the crisis could have been resolved much earlier if the governor had adhered to the terms of the reconciliation agreement instead of listening to those he described as political advisers with personal interests.

The political dispute between Wike and Fubara, who succeeded him as governor, triggered months of tension in Rivers State and created divisions within the state’s political structure.

The crisis eventually prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Fubara for six months as part of efforts to restore peace and stability.

Despite later defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Fubara was unable to secure the party’s ticket for a second term ahead of the next governorship election.

In recent weeks, the governor announced that he had reconciled with Wike and returned to the minister’s political camp, a move widely seen as an attempt to rebuild political alliances after the prolonged conflict.

Wike said the reconciliation confirmed his earlier position that the crisis was avoidable and should never have escalated to the level it did.

He urged political leaders to place the interests of the people above personal ambitions and to honour agreements reached through dialogue.

The minister also expressed hope that the renewed understanding between both camps would bring lasting peace to Rivers State and allow the government to focus on governance and development rather than political disputes.