Wike Says He Wouldn’t Have Agreed to Rivers State of Emergency if Tinubu Had Consulted Him
Abuja, June 2, 2025 – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that he did not support the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State. Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike emphasized that had the President consulted him before imposing the emergency rule, he would have opposed it.
Wike clarified that he is not the one who declared the State of Emergency and stressed his exclusion from the decision-making process, saying,
“I am not the one who declared a State of Emergency; had the President consulted me, I would not have supported it.”
He accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of being used as a political tool by his enemies and suggested that the emergency declaration was aimed at saving Fubara from impeachment threats. Wike said,
“The Emergency declaration saved Fubara. I am not in support of the State of Emergency declared by President Tinubu in Rivers State.”
Background and Political Context
President Tinubu declared the State of Emergency in Rivers State on February 15, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly for six months. Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd.) was appointed as Sole Administrator to manage the state. The President cited prolonged political crises, constitutional breaches, and rising insecurity as reasons for the intervention.
The Rivers State government and many political actors have questioned the legality and motivation behind the emergency rule, especially since Wike was not suspended despite his influential role in the state’s politics. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition groups condemned the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Internal Party Tensions and Reactions
Wike’s refusal to back the emergency rule has intensified tensions within the PDP and between key political figures. Former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi described the emergency declaration as a plot by Tinubu and Wike to intimidate other governors and consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, former presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati criticized Wike’s outspoken opposition, warning the FCT Minister to moderate his rhetoric, highlighting Wike’s history of publicly criticizing his political mentors.
Calls for Consultation and Unity
Wike’s stance underscores calls for more inclusive consultations among political actors before drastic measures like emergency declarations are taken. He reiterated his commitment to the PDP despite internal conflicts and urged for peaceful resolution of the state’s political crisis.
Summary
- Wike denies supporting the Rivers State Emergency Rule and says he was not consulted by President Tinubu.
- He claims the emergency declaration was designed to protect Governor Fubara from impeachment.
- The emergency rule remains controversial, with legal and political challenges ongoing.
- Wike continues to assert his loyalty to the PDP amid party divisions.
- The situation reflects broader political struggles within Rivers State and Nigeria’s ruling elite.
