Just three months after peace was brokered between Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political tensions in Rivers State are flaring up again.
DAILY POST gathered that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are preparing for another confrontation with the governor.
The rivalry between Fubara and Wike began in late 2023, shortly after Fubara took office, as both men battled for control of the state’s political structure. The crisis deepened in 2024 when Amaewhule and his faction joined the fray. On December 11, 2023, 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the PDP to the APC, prompting Fubara-backed lawmakers to declare their seats vacant on July 6, 2024—further escalating tensions.
The turmoil continued until President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers on May 18, 2025, suspending the governor, his deputy, and members of the Assembly. Peace was eventually reached after a meeting with Tinubu on July 27, 2025.
However, fresh signs of conflict resurfaced on December 1, 2025, when Amaewhule strongly criticized Fubara’s administration for allegedly neglecting public primary and secondary schools. He described the situation as “unacceptable” and “a sad commentary,” citing dilapidated facilities, a shortage of teachers, and classrooms taken over by vandals.
16 lawmakers dump Fubara’s PDP
On Friday, December 5, Amaewhule and 15 other lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC, signaling a renewed political standoff. Those who left include:
Dumle Maol (Deputy Speaker, Gokana)
Major Jack (Akuku-Toru)
Linda Stewart (Okrika)
Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni)
Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3)
Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2)
Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2)
Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1)
Aforji (Eleme)
Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1)
Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2)
Peter Abbey (Degema)
Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo)
Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche)
Ofiks Kabang (Andoni)
Assembly queries delay in commissioner nominations
Another flashpoint emerged when the Assembly questioned the governor’s failure to submit commissioner-nominees for screening. After the lifting of the emergency rule in September 2025, the House had urged Fubara to present names to restore full governance.
Fubara had earlier dismissed all commissioners appointed during the height of the crisis, as they had not been screened by the legally recognized Assembly in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling. His delay in forwarding a fresh list has now reignited tensions.
Rivers doesn’t need more turmoil – ADC chairman
Leader Sampson, Chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, warned that renewed hostilities could harm the public. He accused political actors of pursuing selfish interests rather than the welfare of Rivers citizens.
He said the earlier peace agreement “was never genuine,” adding that Amaewhule’s criticism of the governor clearly signaled a brewing confrontation.
Fubara has been ‘left behind’ – Austin Okai
PDP chieftain Austin Okai questioned why Fubara remained in the PDP following reconciliation, claiming that Wike’s political movement shifted to the APC without him.
According to Okai, the governor has become isolated, with even some of his supporters abandoning him.
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