Rivers disaster: I by no means anticipated Fubara, Wike fallout – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has mentioned he by no means anticipated the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, cautioning the governor to tread fastidiously amid the deepening disaster within the state.

Fayose spoke on Friday throughout an interview on Channels Tv’s Politics Right now, the place he mirrored on the breakdown of the connection between Wike and his political protégé, which has plunged the state into extended instability.

“Let me rapidly say this. I by no means knew this factor would ever occur between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,” Fayose mentioned.

He disclosed that he was current at Fubara’s inauguration and had personally suggested the governor towards falling out along with his predecessor.

“I used to be sitting on the excessive desk the day Governor Fubara was sworn in, and we have been on the excessive desk in Rivers. And I instructed Wike that I wish to say one or two issues to Fubara to not betray you,” he added.

Fayose’s feedback come towards the backdrop of renewed political pressure in Rivers State, regardless of a number of reconciliation efforts, together with presidential intervention.

There are indications that President Bola Tinubu has once more stepped into the disaster.

A extremely positioned supply near the Presidency disclosed that the President lately summoned Wike for talks over the Rivers scenario, with the assembly anticipated to carry exterior the nation.

It was additionally gathered that Fubara travelled out of Nigeria on Thursday aboard a non-public jet, reportedly to fulfill Tinubu in France as a part of efforts to resolve the standoff.

The most recent developments coincide with a recent impeachment transfer towards Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by members of the Rivers State Home of Meeting believed to be loyal to Wike.

Throughout plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Chief, Main Jack, formally learn a discover of allegations and gross misconduct towards the governor.

The seven allegations embody the demolition of the Meeting advanced, extra-budgetary spending, withholding of funds meant for the Meeting Service Fee, and alleged refusal to adjust to a Supreme Court docket ruling on the monetary autonomy of the legislature.

The Home commenced the impeachment proceedings days after Wike accused the governor of reneging on a peace settlement brokered by Tinubu.

The ability wrestle between Wike and Fubara intensified months after the governor assumed workplace, plunging Rivers State right into a governance disaster.

In December 2023, Tinubu intervened and brokered a fragile truce, below which Fubara conceded a number of political appointments to Wike’s allies.

That settlement later collapsed, reigniting hostilities and prompting Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing rising insecurity and administrative paralysis.

The declaration suspended Fubara’s govt powers for six months, throughout which a sole administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), was appointed to supervise the state.

Fayose additionally spoke about his long-standing loyalty to the PDP, saying it didn’t forestall him from talking frankly in regards to the social gathering’s challenges, stressing that honesty ought to come earlier than sentiment.

“All people stands the place they’ll have the ability to say the reality to Nigerians. I’m not contesting elections, and I’ve not requested anyone for favours,” he acknowledged.

Fayose additionally reiterated that he brazenly supported President Bola Tinubu in the course of the 2023 presidential election, insisting that he didn’t act secretly or deceptively.

“Brazenly, I supported Asiwaju Tinubu in 2023, and I didn’t conceal it. Until now, I’m nonetheless there. I didn’t soar. I’ve mentioned it to you, I’m not a member of the APC, and I’ll by no means be,” he mentioned.