The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that he may publicly disclose the political agreement he entered into with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should the governor fail to make the details known to the people of the state.
Wike issued the warning on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders during a political gathering in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he reflected on recent political developments and his relationship with the federal government.
He said the political risks he took at the national level had produced tangible outcomes, in contrast to the situation currently playing out in Rivers State. According to him, President Tinubu had fulfilled his own part of their understanding, stressing that his appointment as FCT Minister and the placement of Rivers indigenes in strategic federal roles were clear indications of the benefits accruing to the state under the present administration.
“If he does not tell the Rivers people the agreement we had before Mr. President, I will tell them myself,” Wike declared.
The former governor also cautioned politicians from outside Rivers State against interfering in the state’s internal political affairs, insisting that only those familiar with Rivers politics should be involved. He maintained that intimidation had never worked against his political structure.
“If you do not understand the politics of Rivers State, sit at home. Nobody will intimidate us. Before, when the federal government was against us, we won. Now that the federal government is friendly with us, we will win more,” he said.
Wike explained that his visit to Eleme was to appreciate the people for their consistent support over the years, adding that backing President Tinubu had already proven beneficial. He urged residents of Eleme to remain steadfast in their support for the president and their political leaders as preparations for a new political season begin.
Speaking at the event, former Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Olaka Nwogu, commended Wike for visiting Eleme and reaffirmed the area’s loyalty to him. Nwogu credited Wike with attracting development projects to Eleme and appointing sons of the soil into key positions.
“We voted for Governor Sim Fubara because Wike directed us to do so. Since Wike left office, no major project has been attracted to Eleme. Whatever he says, we stand by him,” Nwogu stated, alleging that Wike had been betrayed.
A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Eleme Constituency, Aforji Igwe, described Wike as a leader who placed equity above ethnic considerations ahead of the 2023 governorship election. He said Wike resisted pressure to retain power within Ikwerre and instead supported a riverine candidate in the interest of fairness, assuring him of the continued backing of riverine lawmakers.
The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Obarilomate Ollor, also praised Wike for initiating development projects across Eleme and Rivers State during his tenure as governor. He pledged the local government’s support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Other political figures, including Ejor Ejor, former Eleme chairman Isaac Kamalu, Fred Igwe, and Marcus Ejii, similarly reaffirmed their loyalty to Wike and vowed to align with his political direction.
The meeting, which drew leaders from both the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, also witnessed the return of some figures who had previously exited the political fold. The event climaxed with the presentation of a plaque to Wike in recognition of his contributions to the development of Eleme Local Government Area.
What you should know
Nyesom Wike’s warning signals a deepening rift between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, despite their earlier political alliance.
By invoking an agreement reached before President Bola Tinubu, Wike is asserting moral and political authority while positioning himself as a key beneficiary of federal goodwill.
His remarks also underline his continued influence in Rivers politics and his determination to shape political outcomes ahead of future elections, particularly as alignments shift toward 2027.
