A fresh clash between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has erupted over a proposed supplementary budget, sources have revealed.
Insiders told TheCable that the renewed hostilities stem from Wike's push, through loyalists in the state assembly, for additional appropriations on top of the existing 2025 budget.
Fubara reportedly rejected the idea, insisting that the N1.48 trillion budget approved by the National Assembly during the state's emergency rule period is adequate for the remainder of the year.
The emergency rule, declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025 amid escalating political tensions, led to Fubara's suspension and the appointment of a sole administrator.
The National Assembly passed the Rivers 2025 budget in June, with Tinubu proposing it in May.Fubara, upon resuming office after the emergency rule was lifted in September 2025, claimed the state coffers had grown from over N300 billion at the time of his suspension to N600 billion.
Following the rejection, Wike reportedly convened a meeting with key allies, including pro-Wike assembly members, at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman Ferdinand Anabraba.
Attendees described Wike as declaring an all-out political confrontation with Fubara.In early December, the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers House of Assembly accused Fubara of unauthorised expenditures and favouring cronies in contracts.
Sources indicate that Fubara, anticipating escalation, aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC)—a shift reportedly endorsed by President Tinubu to diminish Wike's influence.
APC governors have also warmed to Fubara amid their own frictions with the FCT minister.Fubara formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on December 9, 2025.
Despite earlier commitments not to seek re-election, indications suggest he may now contest for a second term under the APC banner.
A fragile peace post-emergency rule collapsed over unmet conditions from Wike, including the reinstatement of Sergeant Awuse as chairman of the state's traditional rulers' council (Fubara had removed him in 2024) and new commissioner nominations.
Fubara viewed these as threats to his gubernatorial authority.Wike has since publicly criticised Fubara, stating on Tuesday that Rivers' "leadership mistake" would be rectified in 2027 and hinting at revealing details of prior peace deals.
The longstanding crisis, rooted in the fallout between the former allies, had prompted the 2025 emergency declaration after governance breakdowns.
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