Rivers Political Turmoil: Fayose’s 2023 Warning To Fubara Resurfaces In Shocking Flashback

Fayose’s warning came in May 2023 during a state banquet held in Wike’s honor shortly after he left office. He advised Fubara to proceed with caution, emphasizing Wike’s reputation for being relentless in political battles.

“Your Excellency, my counsel to you: God will help you. Don’t see more than you should see. The moment you start seeing beyond what you should, you will begin to see spirits. I know Wike. If he says he will fight you, it is either you surrender or prepare for an endless battle. God will not give you Wike’s problem,” Fayose had warned.

One year later, as tensions between Fubara and Wike escalated into a full-blown crisis, Fayose acknowledged that the situation had spiraled out of control, stating that the conflict had “crossed the Rubicon.”

Rivers’ Political Turmoil Deepens, Leading to Fubara’s Suspension

Fayose’s warning proved prophetic as the power struggle between Fubara and Wike intensified just weeks after the banquet. The resulting political crisis triggered deep divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly.

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld a Federal High Court ruling that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing the state’s statutory monthly allocations. The court also nullified the local government elections conducted in Rivers on October 5, 2024.

Amid these developments, the state assembly resumed sitting and revived impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

The crisis had reached its peak in October 2023 when an attempt to impeach Fubara led to the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex.

In response to the prolonged instability and concerns over the security of oil installations, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers. On Tuesday, he announced the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months.

To manage the crisis, Tinubu appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state.

On Thursday, the National Assembly swiftly approved the president’s request for emergency rule, despite widespread controversy surrounding the decision.

Fayose’s 2023 warning now resonates strongly as the political landscape in Rivers continues to be shaped by the ongoing battle for supremacy between Fubara and Wike.