Rivers Crisis: Wike Shifts Stance, Calls Fubara “My Son” Amid Political Turmoil

By Abiola Olawale

Minister Denies Personal Conflict With Suspended Governor

In a dramatic reversal, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has softened his position on the Rivers State political crisis, referring to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “my son” while denying any personal conflict between them.

The former Rivers governor made these surprising remarks during an interview with BBC Pidgin on Saturday, marking a significant shift in his public stance regarding the ongoing political turmoil in the oil-rich state.

Wike Points Finger at Fubara’s Associates

While distancing himself from direct confrontation with Fubara, Wike placed blame on the governor’s close associates, accusing them of instigating the crisis that has paralyzed governance in Rivers State.

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” Wike stated during the interview.

The minister elaborated: “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. When you don’t defeat them, they will think you… Defeat them to the final stage. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

Background of the Political Crisis

Wike’s comments come after months of escalating tensions that led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. This presidential intervention resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The political standoff has been widely characterized as a power struggle between Wike, who previously governed the state, and his successor Fubara. The conflict has featured allegations of betrayal, constitutional violations, and multiple impeachment attempts against the governor.

For more details on this developing story, read the original report.