The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused some political leaders in Rivers State of misleading Governor Siminalayi Fubara and undermining efforts to resolve the state’s ongoing political crisis.
Wike made the allegation on Saturday while addressing supporters at a meeting in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. He said agreements previously reached before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stabilize the political situation in the state must be respected and fully implemented.
According to Wike, the agreement was endorsed by key stakeholders, including former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and leaders of major political parties. He alleged that Governor Fubara had failed to adhere to the terms of the accord, while accusing some political actors of supporting the agreement privately but making contradictory public statements afterward.
“People think they can just say anything in politics and it will not matter. It matters,” Wike said, stressing that consistency and honesty are critical to maintaining peace and political stability.
He described Rivers State as a strategically important political state in the South-South region and urged leaders to speak truthfully and act responsibly in matters affecting governance and security.
Wike also referenced past political disputes in the state, recalling attempts by some groups to dismantle the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) structure during a previous national convention. He said those efforts ultimately failed. The former Rivers governor further praised President Tinubu for appointing Rivers State indigenes to federal positions, saying the President had honored agreements reached with stakeholders.
At the meeting, the Chairman of the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, George Sekibo, criticized Governor Fubara and declared support for Wike. Similar support was expressed by Boma Iyaye of the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieboka.
Claims that Governor Fubara deliberately violated the agreement were not independently verified at the event. As of the time of reporting, no official response had been issued by Governor Fubara or the Rivers State Government regarding Wike’s allegations.