Former Rivers State commissioner and convener of the Rivers Liberation Movement, Dr Lelonu Nwabubasa, has accused Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of deliberately destabilising Rivers State and preventing effective governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Friday, Nwabubasa said the political atmosphere in Rivers State has become “toxic” and “unbearable”, blaming what he described as early electioneering and power struggles driven by Wike, who governed the state for eight years before becoming FCT minister.
“It is very sad to say that the Rivers political environment has been grossly polluted,” Nwabubasa said. “The level of toxicity in the politics of Rivers State is building to unbearable levels, and this is due to the early beating of drums for 2027 — drums of war — led by one acclaimed political actor, a former governor and now minister of the FCT.”
He questioned why Wike, years after leaving office, continues to dominate the state’s political space.
“I really do not understand why a former governor, who left office three years ago, will not allow Rivers people to rest by allowing governance to take place in the state,” he said.
Nwabubasa accused the FCT minister of persistently attacking his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and blaming external actors for internal political tensions.
“He has not stopped attacking his successor, the current governor, and also throwing tantrums and blame at outside actors who have nothing to do with the politics of Rivers State,” he said.
He cited the recent controversy surrounding a visit by a former National Security Adviser to the state.
“The visit of the former NSA had nothing to do with Rivers politics. It was about dialogue with the Ogoni people to ensure oil re-entry in Rivers State, yet tantrums were thrown at the NSA,” Nwabubasa said.
According to him, the behaviour reflects political desperation.
“You can see a man who is politically drowning and looking for everybody to blame,” he said.
Nwabubasa also questioned Wike’s political standing, noting his unclear party affiliation.
“It would be right to advise the FCT minister, especially now that he is party-less, that he cannot continue to play politics in Rivers State when you do not belong clearly to one party,” he said.
Reacting to verbal exchanges between Governor Fubara and Wike, including the governor’s “barking dog” remark, Nwabubasa distanced himself from both camps.
“I am not here to speak for Governor Fubara,” he said. “I am neither a fan of Governor Fubara nor a fan of Wike. I am a fan of Rivers State.”
He said his primary concern is peace, stability and good governance.
“My interest is the peace of Rivers State, the prosperity of Rivers State, and the fact that Rivers people must be given the chance to breathe,” he said.
“Rivers people must be allowed to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
While acknowledging Fubara’s legitimacy as governor, Nwabubasa insisted he must be allowed to govern without interference.
“As of today, Fubara is the governor of Rivers State. He was elected, and he should be allowed to govern as much as he can,” he said.
He added that the state urgently needs a shift in leadership culture.
“Rivers State needs a new face of leadership — in every way,” he said.
On claims by Wike that he remains the political leader of Rivers State despite straddling the APC and PDP, Nwabubasa said the state’s traditional leadership has failed to act decisively.
“When you ask what the elders are doing, the question is: who are these elders?” he asked. “The elders are divided along personalities. Some are with the governor, some are with the FCT minister.”
He said this division has weakened moral authority in the state.
“Today, I cannot speak about what the elders are saying. But what is clear is that Rivers people need a breath of fresh air,” he said.
Nwabubasa warned against what he described as governance being remotely controlled from Abuja.
“Rivers people want their state to be run in their own interest, not in the interest of any cabal in Abuja,” he said.
“What we see today is a Rivers leadership pulled in different directions, with the wealth of the state being rerouted to one superman in Abuja.”
He questioned whose interests are truly being served.
“Where is the interest of the Rivers people?” he asked. “If you are an elder and you are not putting the interest of Rivers people first, then you are part of the problem.”
Nwabubasa concluded with a call for civic awakening.
“The youths and people of Rivers State must come out, own their state, and see what they can do to get their state back to themselves,” he said.
Boluwatife Enome
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