Political tension in Rivers State escalated on Tuesday as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Mbata, came down heavy on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, declaring that leadership of the state is not in doubt.
Mbata made the explosive remark at the 2025 Eneka Day Celebration in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, an event attended by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and cheered loudly by supporters.
“There is only one governor in Rivers State, whether you like it or not. If you like, shout from now till tomorrow,” Mbata thundered, drawing rousing applause in what many saw as a direct response to Wike’s recent political statements.
Earlier on Tuesday, Wike had stirred controversy during a visit to Khana Local Government Area, where he warned Rivers people against repeating what he called past political mistakes ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We won’t make mistakes again. The first one you have done, have they said thank you?” Wike asked the crowd, which chorused, “No!”
“So, if you make another mistake, that means they will drive you out,” he added.
Though Wike did not mention Governor Fubara by name, the comments were widely interpreted as a veiled swipe at his successor, with whom he has been locked in a prolonged political battle.
The war of words comes as the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly deepened the crisis by returning ₦100,000 each credited to lawmakers’ personal accounts, describing the payments as unsolicited and unapproved.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George, the lawmakers said the funds were received on December 30, 2025, triggering immediate consultations.
According to the statement, the Assembly took “prompt and decisive steps” to refund the money to the Rivers State Government after confirming that the funds were neither appropriated nor approved.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval,” the statement read.
The lawmakers further alleged that since assuming office in 2023, Governor Fubara has consistently drawn from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative approval, despite warnings, a Supreme Court judgment, and constitutional provisions on separation of powers.
While stressing that the refunds were made to protect the integrity of the Assembly, the lawmakers warned civil servants and government officials against collaborating in what they described as unconstitutional actions, as Rivers State’s political storm continues to rage.
