Wike Blasts Fubara For Embracing 2027 Campaigns Over River’s Budget

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of prioritising his 2027 re-election ambition over governance in the State, a development intensifying the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Speaking during a monthly media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike criticised the predecessor for failing to present the State’s 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, warning that the delay could disrupt government operations and service delivery.

“The governor is yet to submit his budget to the House of Assembly, but he is busy pursuing his second-term ambition,” Wike said.

He further alleged that Fubara had reneged on commitments made during a presidential intervention to ease tensions in the state.

“President Bola Tinubu intervened in the impeachment proceedings of Fubara and said to withdraw, and the governor said, ‘I’m ready for peace. I’m no longer interested in contesting for governor. I will not do it.’ Now, having withdrawn the impeachment, you’re playing smart on what you agreed before the president,” Wike added.

The dispute stemmed from a protracted political rift between both men, which has split the Rivers Assembly into rival factions, deepening governance challenges in the oil-rich state.

Recall that in December 2024, Fubara presented a N1.1 trillion 2025 budget proposal to a faction of lawmakers led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, who were loyal to him. However, a rival faction led by Martin Amaewhule, aligned with Wike, insisted that the budget must be re-presented before it as the legitimate legislative body.

The crisis escalated following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on February 28, which affirmed a Federal High Court judgement barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory allocations to Rivers State under Fubara.

The apex court also directed that allocations be withheld until the governor properly presents the Appropriation Bill to the Amaewhule-led State Assembly faction.

In response, Fubara wrote to the faction on March 13, proposing a date within the month for the presentation of the 2025 budget. However, when the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt with members of his cabinet on the scheduled day, he was denied access despite prior notice.

Fubara has maintained that he acted in compliance with the Supreme Court directive, insisting that due process was followed.

But, the Amaewhule-led lawmakers rejected the claim, accusing the governor of insincerity.

The Assembly, in a statement, alleged that contrary to Fubara’s assertion, it had not received any formal communication regarding the proposed budget presentation, and directed him to present the 2025 appropriation bill afresh.