Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, would not be given a second chance, accusing him of lacking the capacity to lead the state effectively.
Wike said any leader who fails to maintain a functional relationship with local government chairmen, members of the State House of Assembly, National Assembly members, and other key stakeholders cannot provide good governance. He argued that leadership requires the ability to manage agreements, build consensus, and work with political structures.
The minister made the remarks during a “thank you visit” to Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed supporters described as the “Renewed Hope Family.” He said Rivers State could not afford to be governed by someone who fails to honour agreements reached with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, recalled that he began a series of thank you visits to local government areas across the state last week. He said the visits were aimed at appreciating supporters and strengthening political unity.
Addressing the crowd, Wike dismissed claims that some political actors who previously supported Atiku Abubakar had returned to influence events in the state. He said such individuals had no political value, arguing that they failed to deliver meaningful electoral support in the past.
He stressed that his political camp would continue to give President Tinubu full support, insisting that loyalty to the president remained a priority. According to him, attempts to resolve the crisis in Rivers State through financial inducement would not succeed.
Wike said Governor Fubara failed to uphold agreements reached during meetings mediated by President Tinubu. He warned that unresolved leadership issues would persist if commitments were not respected.
“There cannot be two captains in one ship,” Wike said, adding that no amount of public appeals or claims of popular mandate could substitute for effective leadership. He insisted that a governor who cannot work with elected officials and stakeholders across the state cannot deliver meaningful governance.
During the event, the factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, Nname Ewor, announced the dissolution of his faction and its collapse into the Aaron Chukwemeka-led caretaker committee, which is backed by Wike.
Ewor, who was previously loyal to Governor Fubara, said the decision marked the end of factionalisation within the party in the state. He declared that the PDP in Rivers was now under one leadership, which he described as being aligned with Wike.
Explaining his defection, Ewor cited a lack of trust in Governor Fubara’s leadership. He alleged that President Tinubu intervened twice to resolve the political crisis in the state, but that the governor failed to adhere to the terms of the agreements reached.
According to Ewor, repeated presidential intervention was evidence of untrustworthiness, questioning the ability of such a leader to govern effectively. He also rejected claims that Wike was intimidating or frustrating the governor, saying the minister had not taken any action to undermine the office of the governor.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Chukwu Ogbogu, commended Wike for the visit and thanked him for development projects executed in the area during his tenure as governor.
Ogbogu said several indigenes of the local government benefited from appointments at both state and federal levels under Wike’s leadership. He expressed gratitude for personal opportunities he received, including serving as a two-time commissioner and later as council chairman.
He pledged the continued support and loyalty of the people of the local government to Wike, assuring him of their backing.
Also speaking, a member of the House of Representatives, Nkemjika Ezekwe, representing ONELGA II State Constituency, described Wike as an advocate of women empowerment. She said his policies gave women in Rivers State greater political visibility and economic independence.
Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Felix Obuah, also praised Wike, describing him as a “divine project” and crediting him for his political growth. He said the people of ONELGA would remain grateful to the minister for building political bridges across Rivers State.
In his closing remarks, Wike thanked the people of the local government for their show of unity and support, saying such qualities would continue to strengthen their political relevance.
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has inaugurated five special advisers as part of efforts to reposition his administration. The governor swore in Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Prof. Peter Medee, Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Victor Ekaro, and Dr. Darlington Oji at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Fubara said the appointments were aimed at recovering lost ground and ensuring continuity in governance. He charged the advisers to focus on service delivery and work for the people of Rivers State.
The governor said the appointees were familiar with the administration’s philosophy and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully. He urged them to see the appointments as a call to service and not an opportunity for personal gain.
Fubara assured that his administration remained committed to its social contract with the people of Rivers State, which he said was anchored on effective governance and development.
