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Wike Signals Renewed Political Showdown in Rivers as Tension Mounts Ahead of 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

December 28, 2025

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike

Wike Signals Renewed Political Showdown in Rivers as Tension Mounts Ahead of 2026

Fresh political tension in Rivers State may be looming following comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, suggesting that the long-running rift in the state is far from resolved.

Wike’s remarks have cast doubt on the sustainability of the widely publicised political truce between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, fuelling speculation about a possible return to open political confrontation as 2026 approaches.

The former Rivers State governor spoke on Saturday during a meeting with political stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, shortly after a thanksgiving service organised by Chibudom Nwuche, Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, in Ochigba community, Ahoada East LGA.

Addressing his supporters, Wike declared that full-scale political activities would resume from January 2026, a statement that immediately triggered reactions across the state’s political landscape.

Without naming individuals, the FCT minister criticised some political actors he accused of enjoying the benefits of the 2023 general elections without taking risks when it mattered most. He alleged that many who now openly identify with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu failed to publicly support him during the height of the campaign.

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“In 2023, it was difficult for so many people to come out and say, vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said.
“But we did it when it was tough… we stood firm, and today that mandate is very strong.”

He questioned the credibility of those now praising the President, asking where they were during the peak of the electioneering period when political tensions were highest in Rivers State. According to Wike, such individuals neither spoke out nor mobilised their supporters in support of Tinubu.

Wike assured his loyalists that their sacrifices would not be forgotten, stressing that political loyalty is tested during difficult moments, not after victory has been secured.

Reaffirming his readiness for renewed political engagement, he told the gathering: “From January next year, we will start politics.”

The minister also spoke at length on political trust and agreements, insisting that he does not believe in deals that cannot be honoured.
“Agreement is agreement,” he said. “Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it.”

Wike described himself as one of Nigeria’s most criticised politicians, attributing the scrutiny to his refusal to compromise on principles or abandon agreements once reached.

Despite the charged political undertone of his remarks, Wike reassured the people of Ahoada of his continued support, urging them not to be anxious and assuring them that events would unfold at the appropriate time. He also reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that his political alignment remains unchanged.

The event was attended by several prominent political figures, including Senator Magnus Abe, Senator Philip Aduda, Senator Wilson Ake, Senator Olaka Wogu, ambassador-designate Aaron Chukwuemeka, OCJ Okocha, Ferdinand Anabrabra, and other political associates.

The comments come amid lingering uncertainty over the fragile peace arrangement in Rivers State, which followed months of legislative deadlock, protests and federal intervention. Recent statements from key actors continue to raise questions about the durability of that settlement and the future of political stability in the state.

Wike Signals Renewed Political Showdown in Rivers as Tension Mounts Ahead of 2026

Related Topics:Featured Political Showdown Rivers Wike

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Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

Published

3 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a newly‑wedded woman suspected of poisoning her husband to death in Gauza village, Jahun Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on January 23, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Police reported that the deceased fell seriously ill after eating a meal prepared by his wife and was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators from the Jahun Divisional Police Headquarters launched an inquiry and quickly detained the wife as the main suspect.

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During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to putting rat poison in her husband’s food, claiming she was coerced into the marriage by her parents, which fueled resentment that led to the deadly act. Police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway, and the suspect will face court charges once the investigation is complete.

The Commissioner of Police has urged the public to remain calm, stressing that marital disputes should never escalate to violence, and warning that such actions have irreversible consequences. The tragic case highlights growing concerns over domestic poisoning and marital-related crimes in the region.

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

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Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that six people were killed by suspected bandits in the Wawa community of Borgu Local Government Area, intensifying concerns over the growing security crisis in rural Niger State.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stated that the attack occurred on January 22, 2026, when the victims — including farmers and a local vigilante — were ambushed while heading to their farms near Damala village. Two other people remain missing, and search operations are ongoing.

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Local residents described the incident as devastating, urging the state and federal governments to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities from frequent bandit attacks.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of banditry in Niger State and neighbouring areas. Recent attacks in Damala village, Woko District, and Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community have left dozens dead, properties destroyed, and residents displaced, highlighting the escalating rural insecurity in the region.

Authorities have vowed to strengthen security operations, while experts warn that continued attacks threaten socioeconomic stability, displace local populations, and erode confidence in local law enforcement.

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

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DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicado

Published

5 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe

DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicad

The whereabouts of the President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe and two other union officials, Mr Tuwonimi Benstowe and Mr Michael Mbata remain unknown, following their alleged arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Rivers State, according to their lawyer.

NAPO’s counsel said the union leader and his colleagues were picked up during a security operation in Finima, Bonny Local Government Area, but have since been held incommunicado, with no official confirmation from the DSS on their detention or location. The development has sparked growing concern among family members, labour unions and civil society groups.

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The lawyer described the action as unlawful and a violation of the detainees’ fundamental human rights, noting that security agencies are required by law to disclose the whereabouts of arrested persons and grant them access to legal representation.

The arrests reportedly followed rising tensions linked to NAPO’s labour activities, including a recent warning strike by plant operators working on the NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny. The union had protested alleged irregular salary deductions and tax remittance issues, which were also the subject of a pending case before the National Industrial Court.

Labour rights advocates have warned that the continued silence of the DSS could undermine due process and escalate industrial unrest, calling for the immediate disclosure of the detainees’ location or their release.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official response from the DSS have remained unsuccessful, while pressure continues to mount on authorities to respect the rule of law and constitutional safeguards.