Wike Denies Supporting State of Emergency in Rivers State, Says Fubara Was “Saved” from Impeachment
Abuja, Nigeria — June 2, 2025
In the midst of growing political unrest in Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly denied supporting the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich South-South state. Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State himself, made the statement during a media chat with journalists in Abuja on Monday, June 2, 2025.
His remarks came amid ongoing tensions between him and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and growing public concern over the future of governance and peace in Rivers State. For months, the state has been grappling with political drama, impeachment threats, and allegations of betrayal and manipulation.
“I Am Not the President,” Wike Says on State of Emergency in Rivers
Wike was clear and emphatic when responding to questions about whether he played any role in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his words:
“I am not the President who declared a State of Emergency. If Mr. President had called me, I wouldn’t have agreed. I have never supported it.”
This direct quote from Wike is a strong disavowal of any involvement in what many have described as a controversial move by the presidency. According to him, he was neither consulted nor in favor of such a drastic political decision.
His statement was aimed at clearing the air following growing speculation that Wike, who is often accused of wielding political influence in Rivers State even after leaving office in 2023, may have encouraged or approved the emergency rule to weaken Governor Fubara’s administration.
Wike and Fubara: No Personal Crisis, But Deep Political Tension
Another major talking point during the interview was Wike’s relationship with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The two men have been at the center of a messy political fallout that began months ago and has led to several controversies, including the resignation of pro-Wike commissioners from Fubara’s cabinet and reported moves to impeach the governor.
Despite all of this, Wike insisted that he has no personal issue with his successor.
According to him:
“I do not have any crisis with him. Rather, the governor, unknown to me, gave himself to be the tool for those who could not fight me, to fight me.”
In this statement, Wike suggested that Fubara was being used by others who see Wike as a political obstacle. He implied that his enemies were targeting him indirectly through Fubara because they lacked the capacity to confront him head-on.
This adds another layer of complexity to the Rivers State political crisis, indicating that powerful political actors — possibly at the national or party level — may be influencing the rift between the two politicians.
Emergency Rule Was to Save Governor Fubara From Impeachment — Wike Claims
Interestingly, Wike did not completely reject the reason behind the emergency rule declared by President Tinubu. While distancing himself from the decision itself, Wike acknowledged that the action might have been necessary to prevent the impeachment of Governor Fubara.
He said:
“The declaration was to save the governor because he was almost impeached.”
This statement reveals that Wike sees the emergency rule not as a punishment or power grab, but rather as an intervention to protect Fubara. The comment may come as a surprise to those who believe Wike wanted Fubara out of office.
If true, it shows that even with their political differences, Wike does not want the Fubara administration to end in chaos. It also points to the severity of the internal conflict in Rivers State, where an elected governor could come dangerously close to being removed from office through impeachment proceedings — just two years into his first term.
Tinubu in Control: “He Has Everything on His Table,” Says Wike
When asked what would happen next in Rivers State, especially regarding how and when the state of emergency might be lifted, Wike made it clear that President Bola Tinubu is the only one with the answers.
He said:
“He, Tinubu, knows when to lift it, he has everything on his table. I don’t know.”
This quote shifts full responsibility and authority to the President, suggesting that Wike has no say in the future direction of the emergency policy. He was likely responding to criticisms that he was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
By placing the decision squarely in Tinubu’s hands, Wike attempted to separate himself from the federal executive's actions, even while acknowledging the gravity of the situation in Rivers State.
The Bigger Picture: Rivers State Caught in Political Crossfire
The crisis in Rivers State continues to dominate national headlines, not just because of its importance as a major oil-producing state, but also due to the high-profile political figures involved — especially Wike, who served two terms as governor and is now a central player in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
Key Issues at the Heart of the Crisis:
-
Alleged power tussle between Wike and Governor Fubara
-
Threats of impeachment and political sabotage
-
Intervention by President Tinubu through the declaration of emergency rule
-
Public confusion and concern over governance and stability in the state
For many observers, what’s unfolding in Rivers is a classic example of party politics gone wrong, where personal loyalty, political ambition, and backdoor alliances are threatening the democratic process and the mandate of the people.
Wike’s Political Relevance and National Influence
While critics often accuse Nyesom Wike of being power-hungry or overbearing, his recent comments suggest a more complicated picture. He appears to be trying to walk a tightrope between supporting the federal government and protecting his political legacy in Rivers State.
His insistence that he never supported the state of emergency, coupled with his claims that the move was actually meant to save Governor Fubara, shows a man keen on preserving his image — not just in Rivers, but on the national stage.
Wike’s continued relevance in Nigerian politics, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), cannot be overstated. Whether loved or hated, he remains one of the most influential political figures in the country today.
What Next for Rivers State?
As Wike has rightly pointed out, only President Tinubu holds the key to what happens next in Rivers State. With emergency rule in place and a deep political division between the former and current governors, the state remains in a delicate position.
Will Tinubu lift the state of emergency soon? Will Wike and Fubara find a way to reconcile? Can Rivers State return to political stability before the 2027 general elections?
Only time will tell.
Final Thoughts
Nyesom Wike’s recent media chat has shed more light on the ongoing Rivers State political crisis, but many questions remain unanswered. His denial of involvement in the emergency declaration, his complicated relationship with Governor Fubara, and his deference to President Tinubu all suggest that the battle for Rivers is far from over.
As Nigerians continue to watch closely, one thing is clear: Rivers State is a political battleground, and its outcome could shape the future of national politics in Nigeria.
