'I Won’t Interfere in Fubara’s Governance'

Wike vows not to impose commissioners on Rivers Governor Fubara.
Tinubu reinstated Fubara, deputy and lawmakers after six-month suspension.
Wike says Rivers can now compete politically and economically with Lagos.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged not to impose commissioners or political decisions on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following his reinstatement by President Bola Tinubu.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that President Tinubu had suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, citing a breakdown of democratic governance in the state. On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the president announced their reinstatement, effectively restoring full political control to the state leadership.

Since the announcement, however, Governor Fubara has not made a public appearance or officially confirmed his resumption of duties. Despite this, lawmakers have directed him to submit a list of commissioner nominees and present the state budget.

Reacting to the unfolding events, Wike, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, said he would not interfere in the governor’s decisions or dictate the appointment of commissioners.

“I cannot go and impose anything on the Governor; why would I impose anything on the Governor? Assuming I go to the Governor and he says no, will the state collapse?” Wike said.

He emphasized that he has no preferred candidates for Fubara’s cabinet, adding that the governor must be allowed to steer the state independently.

“Even if the Governor comes to me now and says we have agreed to work together, which is natural, I will say, look, I give you free hand to pick what you want for the state,” Wike stated. “All I want to say is I know what I did and what I have done to keep the state to this level. Don’t drop it—move ahead.”

Highlighting his record in office, the former Rivers State governor said he left the state in a strong position, both politically and economically, capable of competing with Lagos.

“As I speak to you, I left the state where we can compete favourably with Lagos, and I can challenge anybody,” Wike said.

The remarks come amid speculation over the power dynamics between Wike, a key political figure in Rivers, and Governor Fubara, whose strained relationship with his predecessor had fueled the earlier crisis that led to federal intervention.