I wanted Fubara removed But Tinubu’s state of emergency saved him – Wike

Wike Reveals His Push for Governor Fubara’s Removal, Credits Tinubu for Intervention

In a recent media interview in Abuja, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), disclosed that he advocated for the complete removal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. However, he credited President Bola Tinubu for intervening and ultimately protecting Fubara from being ousted.

Wike expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature. An administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), was subsequently appointed to oversee the affairs of the state.

“As a politician, the state of emergency in Rivers doesn’t please me,” Wike stated. “I had aimed for the outright removal of Governor Fubara. The president’s decision to declare a state of emergency was crucial in rescuing Fubara from his precarious situation.”

The political turbulence that has engulfed Rivers State has seen Wike emerge as a key player, as he maintained that Fubara’s position had already become untenable prior to the president’s intervention.

“The governor was finished, no doubt about that… Therefore, when criticisms arise regarding the president’s actions, I emphasize that he deserves commendation,” Wike remarked. “Every morning, they should approach him and ask, ‘How can we show gratitude for saving us?’”

Wike extended an olive branch for peace talks, although he claimed that Fubara’s advisers discourage him from pursuing reconciliation.