A renewed political crisis has erupted between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, following a disagreement over a proposed supplementary budget, TheCable understands.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the latest face-off began after Wike-backed lawmakers pushed for a supplementary appropriation, a move Fubara reportedly rejected. The governor argued that the ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget approved by the National Assembly during the period of emergency rule was adequate to cover the state’s needs for the rest of the year.
The 2025 Rivers State budget was passed in June after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator, following Fubara’s suspension. Upon his return, Fubara disclosed that he met over ₦600 billion in the state’s accounts, compared to the ₦300 billion available before his suspension.
Insiders said Wike, angered by Fubara’s rejection of the supplementary budget, convened a meeting with key political allies, including pro-Wike lawmakers, at the Port Harcourt residence of respected political elder Ferdinand Anabraba. At the meeting, Wike reportedly declared an all-out political confrontation with the governor, a source who attended the meeting explained to TheCable.
Earlier in December, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, accused Fubara of unapproved spending and awarding contracts without legislative consent.
Sensing escalating hostilities, Fubara reportedly strengthened ties with the All Progressives Congress (APC) a move said to have received President Tinubu’s backing. APC governors also rallied around Fubara, partly to reduce Wike’s political influence within the party.
Fubara formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on December 9. Although he was initially pressured not to seek a second term, sources now say he may pursue re-election under the APC platform.
Further revelations indicate that peace talks previously initiated by Wike collapsed after Fubara declined to meet certain conditions, including the reinstatement of Sergeant Awuse, a Wike ally, as chairman of the state’s traditional rulers’ council, and the appointment of commissioners nominated by Wike’s camp.
The unresolved demands reportedly reopened hostilities, with Wike launching public attacks on Fubara following his defection. On Tuesday, the FCT minister hinted that Rivers’ political “mistake” would be corrected in 2027, promising to reveal details of the failed peace agreement at a later time.
The prolonged power struggle between Fubara and pro-Wike lawmakers had earlier culminated in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
