Wike: I Wanted Fubara Removed, But Tinubu Saved Him With State of Emergency
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has disclosed that he sought the removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, but President Bola Tinubu’s intervention through a state of emergency ultimately preserved Fubara’s position.
During a media chat in Abuja, Wike admitted he wasn’t pleased with the declaration of a state of emergency but acknowledged that it was what stopped the governor from being ousted.
“As a politician, I am not happy about the state of emergency in Rivers State,” Wike said. “I wanted the outright removal of Governor Fubara. The president, by declaring a state of emergency, saved Fubara.”
Tinubu declared the state of emergency on March 18, 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature while appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as administrator.
Wike emphasized that Fubara’s removal was inevitable before the president stepped in. “The governor was gone. He was gone, yes… so when people say the president did this, I say they should be praising him,” Wike said, adding sarcastically, “Every morning, they should go to the president and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’”
He also said he was open to peace talks but blamed Fubara’s advisers for discouraging reconciliation.
