Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has cautioned political actors against misusing Rivers State resources to sway voters ahead of future elections, in a fresh escalation of his feud with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking at empowerment events across Rivers, Wike stressed that public money cannot override grassroots loyalty or past agreements brokered by President Tinubu.
Wike dismissed rumored N600 billion "war chests" as futile, declaring, "We've defeated moneybags before and will again what matters is the people, not cash." He accused Fubara's camp of breaching a June 2025 peace deal witnessed by Tinubu, threatening to expose terms if the governor stays silent. The admonition aims at external politicians eyeing Rivers' treasury for influence peddling.
Recent Ijaw Congress dumping Fubara fueled Wike's Okrika retort: "Same 'barking dogs' you mock installed you money won't save mandate thieves." He vowed to "correct 2023 mistakes," rallying Tai and Eleme supporters who credit him for federal projects like the University of Environment. Fubara's N100,000 civil servant bonuses drew indirect fire as "state largesse masking breaches."
Wike's nationwide tours signal APC consolidation in South-South, countering opposition realignments like Kwankwaso's ADC talks while mocking PDP fractures.He warned Fubara's re-election bid risks "political burial," urging locals to prioritize loyalty over finances amid Nigeria's insecurity and migration woes. The spat overshadows Tinubu's reforms, positioning Rivers as 2027's pivotal battleground.