Rivers Political Rift: Wike ‘Controls State Structure,’ Fubara Should ‘Prostrate’ Before Him — Olayinka

Rivers Political Rift: Wike ‘Controls State Structure,’ Fubara Should ‘Prostrate’ Before Him — Olayinka

Port Harcourt, Nigeria — January 29, 2026: A close aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has stirred controversy in Rivers State politics, claiming the former governor “controls the political structure” of the state and arguing that current Governor Siminalayi Fubara should “prostrate” before him due to his influence — comments that highlight ongoing tension within the state’s ruling party.

In remarks made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, described Fubara as a “weak politician” who has failed to assert control over Rivers State’s political machinery. Olayinka asserted that Wike’s influence extends across the Rivers State House of Assembly and local government structures, despite Fubara serving as governor.

Olayinka said political strength should be evident in a governor’s ability to manage his own state structures. “If I am in Abuja controlling 27 members of your House of Assembly, while you have only three and they no longer attend sittings, it means I am controlling the entire assembly. You should admit that you are weak. You should come to me and prostrate,” he stated, referring to Fubara’s position relative to Wike’s influence.

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He also dismissed claims that Wike is behind impeachment moves against Fubara, insisting that if the governor wanted to halt those proceedings, he would know how to do so politically. “If you know I’m stronger than you, come and beg me,” Olayinka added.

The comments coincide with a period of continued political strain in Rivers State, which has seen disputes between the governor and lawmakers grouped around Wike. Earlier this month, the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, though a High Court interim order temporarily restrained the process.

Wike, who was governor before Fubara and now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been widely regarded as a dominant political figure in Rivers, with loyal lawmakers in the Assembly and influence over key state decisions. The ongoing conflict has drawn attention to debates over political power, leadership autonomy, and internal party dynamics in the state.

Critics of Olayinka’s statements argue that such rhetoric deepens divisions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers and distracts from governance issues affecting residents. Meanwhile, supporters of Wike say the minister’s influence reflects longstanding political realities and the need for strategic leadership coordination in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The political rift in Rivers has broader implications for party unity, local governance, and electoral strategy, with analysts noting that how the crisis unfolds could shape the state’s position in national politics.

Rivers Political Rift: Wike ‘Controls State Structure,’ Fubara Should ‘Prostrate’ Before Him — Olayinka