Wike Declares Himself General Commander of Political Structure in Rivers

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he remains the “general commander” of the political structure he established in Rivers State.

Wike made the declaration on Wednesday during a media parley aired by Channels Television, while speaking on the political developments in the state.

The former Rivers State governor said his political influence in Rivers remained intact despite the prolonged disagreement between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike, who served as Rivers governor from 2007 to 2015, said political structures built over the years could not simply be dismantled because of disagreements among political actors.

He maintained that he remained a key figure within the political structure in the state and dismissed suggestions that he had lost control of his political base.

The minister’s relationship with Fubara deteriorated after the governor succeeded him in 2023, resulting in a prolonged political crisis that divided the state’s political leadership.

The dispute later led to a reconciliation process involving President Bola Tinubu, with both Wike and Fubara agreeing to a number of measures aimed at resolving the crisis.

Wike has, however, continued to assert his political relevance in Rivers, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also criticised attempts to portray him as politically weakened, saying his influence should be judged by the strength of the political structure and people associated with him.

Wike was governor of Rivers State for eight years before being appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by President Tinubu in 2023.

His latest comments come amid growing political realignments across Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.