The political tension in Rivers State escalated on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, as a prominent Igbo leader issued a strong rebuke to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his comments on the state's governance.
Mbata's Firm Declaration at Eneka Day
Senator John Mbata, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, used the platform of the 2025 Eneka Day Celebration in Obio/Akpor to deliver a pointed message. In the presence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Mbata stated unequivocally that "there is only one governor in Rivers State, whether you like it or not." His declaration, met with loud cheers from the crowd, was a direct response to recent political statements made by the former governor, Wike.
Mbata challenged critics, adding, "If you like, shout from now till tomorrow," reinforcing the legitimacy of Governor Fubara's position. This public show of support comes amid a prolonged and visible feud between the current governor and his predecessor.
Wike's Controversial Remarks and Lawmakers' Refund
Earlier on the same Tuesday, Nyesom Wike had stirred controversy during a visit to Khana Local Government Area. Addressing supporters, he warned that Rivers people must not repeat "past political mistakes" in the upcoming 2027 general elections. "We won't make mistakes again. The first one you have done, have they said thank you?" Wike asked, to which the crowd responded, "No!" He suggested that another error would lead to being "driven out," a statement widely interpreted as a veiled attack on Governor Fubara.
In a related development that underscores the institutional rift, members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly returned a sum of N100,000 each to the state government. The funds, which were transferred to their personal accounts on December 30, 2025, on the instructions of Governor Fubara, were described as "unsolicited and unapproved."
In a statement signed by Hon. Enemi George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, the lawmakers stated they took "prompt and decisive steps" to refund the money after confirming the transfers lacked legislative appropriation or approval. They anchored their action on constitutional provisions governing public finance and the separation of powers.
Deepening Crisis and Constitutional Standoff
The Assembly's statement further accused Governor Fubara of consistently drawing funds from the state's Consolidated Revenue Account without legislative approval since assuming office in 2023. The lawmakers claimed these actions persisted despite warnings from the Assembly, a Supreme Court judgment, and clear constitutional provisions.
The refund and the accompanying allegations add a significant layer to the ongoing political and institutional disagreement in Rivers State. The legislature used the occasion to warn civil servants and government officials against collaborating in what it termed unconstitutional practices, emphasizing that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative scrutiny.
The events of December 31, 2025, highlight a state deeply divided along political lines, with the battle for control and constitutional authority between the executive and legislative arms playing out in public statements and financial disputes.
