Rivers Political Heavyweights Back Fubara, Tinubu as Rift with Wike Deepens

Some prominent figures in the state have supported Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the continuing spat between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his estranged political son.

Former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman Uche Secondus, former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Austin Opara, former Transportation Minister Abiye Sekibo, and former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia are among those who support Fubara.

Speaking at the 2026 New Year State Banquet at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Fubara revealed their support.

The governor claimed that the political leaders’ attendance at the function was an obvious indication of their support.

He acknowledged the political personalities’ attendance at the event and emphasized that their choices had refuted accusations and threats that he was siding with people who opposed the president’s interests.

“The distinguished leaders who joined us today express their unwavering support for both President Bola Tinubu and this administration,” Fubara stated.

Only those who lacked comprehension would turn to “barking” when they were unable to decipher what was happening, Fubara continued.

“There is no way people will be talking about us when we leave office,” the governor declared. Indeed, novels about our government, our struggles, and our survival will be written.

“Those who place their faith in God can never be ashamed; the truth is obvious and the key to our survival is only one thing. Additionally, the goal of governance for this beloved State will be accomplished since they are unable to humiliate us.

“This evening, I am pleased to see some of the most illustrious personalities in our beloved state seated at the high table. We are merely informing the world that these esteemed individuals, including Prince Uche Secondus, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Sir Celestine Omehia, and Alabo Abiye Sekibo, have joined us at this New Year’s banquet to demonstrate our support for Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

“You are boldly sitting with us so that people would know that you are standing with Fubara and are not involved in corner-to-corner commerce. Additionally, you are supporting Mr. President since you are standing with Fubara.

You have no idea what you have done, therefore I want to thank you this evening. Because of your political activities—and not just because of politics, but also because of your names—we were being blackmailed in multiple locations.

However, I am glad that you informed me this evening that you would join us for a seat so that everyone would be aware of your presence.

“That you are completely unrelated to any other organization that opposes Mr. President. You chose to stand with us to defend Rivers State, not because of me.

“Let’s not let whatever is going on deceive us. According to one of Caeser’s comments, the dog only barks when it doesn’t understand.

We understand, therefore we’re not barking. We know where we’re heading and have everything we need to make the trip go smoothly.

As we celebrate the year of our Lord, a year of peace, and a year that will bring about total emancipation, let me thank everyone for coming to this great evening and making time to sit with us.

“A year that, looking back, we will say to God, “Yes, what happened is because of what you have and have planned for us in the years ahead.”

“I want to reassure you that governance will persist in its entirety.” We will keep doing what we have set out to do for our state.

“We’ll make sure that by the time we’re done, everyone who supported us will be honored, proud, and able to walk down Port Harcourt’s streets knowing that they made the right choice at the time.”

The Wike-Fubara Rift Gets Wider
Months after Bola Tinubu mediated a reconciliation between Wike and Fubara, their relationship deteriorated once more.

The outgoing governor has recently claimed that his successor broke the terms of the peace deal that was achieved through presidential intervention.

Wike has always maintained that “agreement is agreement,” a position that is commonly seen as an attempt to prevent Fubara from running for reelection in the upcoming elections.