Wike, Fubara fight far from over, Rivers ADC chairman foresees more fireworks

By Kingston Magare 16.9.2025
As suspended Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to return back to his post this week, the African Democratic Congress Rivers State, Leader Sampson has warned that the political crisis in the State is far from being over.
According to Mr. Sampson, governor Fubara is yet to be fully reconciled with his predecessor Nyesom Wike in their struggle for who control the resources of the Rivers State.
“From what we have seen, there was no true reconciliation. It’s just one man having his way. Fubara returning as governor, along with the members of the state House of Assembly, may not go well,” Sampson predicted.
“There is a tendency that if one individual continues to insist that his will and whatever he wants is what will happen in Rivers State, more crises are inevitable. Leadership and governance in the state remain highly prone to conflict.”
Sampson also called on the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas rtd, to provide a detailed account of Rivers State’s finances during six months of emergency rule.
“For the sake of accountability, Ibas needs to explain everything that happened during his six months in Rivers State,” he said.
“He should tell Nigerians how the people’s money was spent, what projects were executed, the amounts involved, how much came from Rivers State’s internally generated revenue, and how much was received as federal allocations. If he has nothing to hide, he should give a full account.”
Meanwhile Vice Admiral Ibas rtd stated that the state of emergency in Rivers State was necessary to restore peace.
Ibas said, “Emergency rule was never a choice; it was a necessity brought upon us by insecurity, political impasse, and breakdown of trust.
“Peace is priceless. Without security, no other aspiration is possible. When governance is weakened, opportunism fills the vacuum, endangering lives and livelihoods. Yet the indomitable spirit of Rivers people cannot be broken. They endured; they persevered and have remained steadfast. The stability we have restored is the foundation upon which democracy is now rebuilt.”