Rivers Political Storm Reignites as Wike-Aligned Lawmakers Renew Clash With Governor Fubara
Story: Written by Joseph December 8,2025
Tension is once again escalating in Rivers State as legislators loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, resume hostilities against Governor Siminalayi Fubara—barely three months after a peace deal was negotiated between both political camps.
#RiversState #PoliticalTension
Lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who remain aligned with the FCT Minister, are reportedly preparing for another showdown with the governor, signalling a resurgence of the political power struggle that rocked the state in late 2023.
#Wike #Fubara #PowerTussle
The crisis, which originally emerged from a fierce contest for control of the state’s political structure, intensified in 2024 when the Amaewhule-led Assembly fully joined the confrontation.
In December 2023, about 27 lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that deepened the rift. Their defection later triggered the decision by pro-Fubara lawmakers on July 6, 2024, to declare the defectors’ seats vacant, heightening the turmoil.
#APC #PDP #RiversAssembly
The political unrest continued until May 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu imposed a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, temporarily suspending the governor, his deputy, and members of the Assembly.
On July 27, 2025, President Tinubu met with Fubara, Wike, and Amaewhule at the Presidential Villa, where he facilitated a truce between the opposing factions.
However, the uneasy peace began to unravel again on December 1, 2025, when Speaker Amaewhule openly blasted the Fubara administration for the deteriorating conditions of public primary and secondary schools across the state.
#PublicEducation #Governance
In a widely circulated video, Amaewhule criticized the level of decay in the education sector, describing it as “embarrassing and unacceptable.” He lamented situations where vandals had taken over school buildings, pupils lacked teachers, and some teachers were forced to handle two classes at the same time.
16 Lawmakers Dump Fubara’s PDP
On December 5, 2025, Amaewhule and 15 other legislators officially left the PDP for the APC—marking yet another round of political upheaval in the state.
#PartyDefection #RiversPolitics
Those who defected include:
Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1), Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).
Assembly Queries Delay in Commissioner Nominees
Another sign of renewed hostilities emerged when the Assembly queried the governor for failing to submit a list of commissioner-nominees for screening.
#GovernanceCrisis
After the state of emergency was lifted in September 2025, legislators had requested that Fubara forward the names of new commissioner-nominees to restore effective governance. The governor had earlier dismissed all commissioners appointed during the height of the crisis following a Supreme Court ruling that recognized only one legislative faction. His delay in presenting new nominees has now triggered another confrontation.
“Rivers Doesn’t Need Another Crisis” — ADC Chairman
Leader Sampson, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, warned all political actors to refrain from actions that may further jeopardize the welfare of citizens.
#Peace #RiversPeople
He stressed that the people of Rivers State deserve stability, not another round of political battles driven by personal interests.
According to him, “After the earlier settlement and the lifting of the emergency rule, we expected collaboration between the executive and legislative arms. But what we see now shows the peace was never genuine.”
“Fubara Has Been Left Behind” — Austin Okai
PDP chieftain Austin Okai expressed surprise that Governor Fubara appears isolated despite the reconciliation efforts, accusing the governor of returning to old political patterns.
#PDP #PoliticalAnalysis
