Lauretta Onochie, former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, sparked controversy by mocking Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike on X, claiming President Bola Tinubu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma betrayed him by handing control of Rivers State back to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In her Sunday, January 4, 2026, post, Onochie wrote that Tinubu and Uzodimma "threw you under bus, gave keys to Fubara," amid ongoing Rivers political tensions. This targets Wike's recent complaints that Fubara breached their June 2025 peace deal brokered by Tinubu to resolve their rift. Wike, during Tai LGA visits, vowed to expose the agreement details soon and reaffirmed support for Tinubu's 2027 reelection.
The clash traces to a 2023 political crisis where Wike, then Rivers governor, backed Tinubu despite his PDP affiliation, leading to Fubara's emergence as successor. Wike accused Fubara of reneging on promises like local government support, declaring no retreat from their "decision" for 2027 polls. Rivers APC pledged to follow Wike's directives, highlighting his lingering influence despite Fubara's control.
Reactions split along party lines, with APC supporters cheering Onochie and Wike loyalists defending him fiercely.
- "Lauretta Onochie is a propagandist" – Critics labeling her post as biased APC spin.facebook+1
- "Wike is finished, Fubara has the keys now 😂" – Pro-Fubara users celebrating the alleged snub.x
- Defenders countered: "Tinubu respects Wike; this is fake news," echoing Onochie's past fact-check controversies. The post amplified Rivers 2027 election buzz, drawing thousands of engagements.facebook+2