Rivers power tussle worsens as Assembly spurns Fubara’s N100,000 gift, Wike warns against “automatic” 2027 ticket

The prolonged political crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, took another sharp turn on Tuesday as the State House of Assembly rejected a N100,000 Christmas gift credited to lawmakers’ bank accounts on the governor’s directive.

The lawmakers described the payment as unsolicited and unlawful, saying it reflected the deepening breakdown of trust between the executive and legislature in a crisis that has paralysed governance in the state since the fallout between Fubara and Wike.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Enemi George, the Assembly insisted that public funds must be spent strictly in line with constitutional provisions and legislative approval.

The statement, titled “Return of Unsolicited and Unapproved N100,000 Transferred to the Personal Accounts of Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Executive Governor of Rivers State”, said the money was promptly returned to the state coffers.

“Today, 30th December 2025, honourable members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank credit alerts of the sum of N100,000 each. The said unsolicited and unapproved amount was transferred on the instructions of the governor,” the statement read.

George accused Governor Fubara of repeatedly drawing from the state’s consolidated revenue account without legislative approval since taking office in 2023, alleging a pattern of constitutional breaches that has fuelled the protracted political standoff.

“We are aware of staff who connive with the governor to contravene the constitution and laws of Rivers State. Their actions are unlawful. We assure the good people of Rivers State that we will not relent in performing our constitutional duties,” he said.

The Assembly noted that while civil servants received similar Christmas bonuses after standard approvals, the transfer to lawmakers bypassed due process, further inflaming tensions.

The latest dispute comes as the House remains adjourned until January 26, 2026. Governor Fubara is yet to present the 2026 appropriation bill or submit fresh commissioner-nominees, governing since his return from suspension with only eight commissioners unaffected by the Supreme Court ruling recognising Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.

Against this backdrop, Wike used a visit to Khana, Bori, in Khana Local Government Area, to issue what many viewed as a political warning ahead of the 2027 elections.

Although he did not mention Fubara by name, Wike cautioned Rivers residents against repeating what he described as a leadership mistake, remarks widely interpreted as a reference to his rift with his successor.

“As for the state, we will talk about that later. We will not make a mistake again,” Wike said. “If you make another mistake, that means they will drive you out. Your ticket is not automatic. You have to earn it for you to present to your people.”

Emphasising his cross-party influence, Wike said political loyalty in Rivers now cuts across party lines.

“For us, there’s nothing like APC or PDP; what we have is Renewed Hope. We’re not voting based on party but on the fact that we belong to one political family. Just follow your leaders. Anywhere you see them going, that is where we are going,” he said.

He credited President Bola Tinubu for infrastructure and political gestures in Rivers, including road projects, the approval of the Federal University of Environment and the presidential pardon of the Ogoni Nine.

“During the turbulent period, Khana stood with us and now you have benefited—from good roads to the University of Environment among other benefits because of the love of Mr. President,” Wike said.

Reinforcing Wike’s grip on Rivers politics, the APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom, declared Gokana Local Government a “no-go area” for Governor Fubara.

“For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike,” Giadom said.

A former senator representing Rivers South East, Magnus Abe, also threw his weight behind Wike and President Tinubu, insisting the Ogoni people had already taken sides.

“Wike is a leader who unites, and that is why we are united. The Ogoni people are with you, and we will not go home empty-handed. Please tell Tinubu not to bother coming to Gokana to campaign. We are for him,” Abe said.

Similarly, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government, Confidence Deko, pledged unwavering support for Wike, describing it as payback time.

“Wherever you go, we will go. This local government is for you because of what you have done for us. The time for payback is near, and we will do the needful,” Deko said.

Wike concluded by declaring that both the APC and PDP structures in Rivers are now effectively operating together under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring a political realignment that continues to isolate Governor Fubara as the Rivers crisis drags on.