Rivers State Crisis: Wike Accuses Omehia, Sekibo, and Okpara of Fueling Fubara’s Confrontation Amid Apology Reports
In a fresh escalation of the ongoing political feud in Rivers State, Nigeria, Nyesom Wike, the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has accused three prominent figures—Celestine Omehia, Lee Sekibo, and Austin Okpara—of instigating Governor Siminalayi Fubara to directly challenge his authority.
Wike’s allegations come at a time of heightened tensions, following reports that Fubara has extended an apology to Wike. This development is linked to Fubara’s earlier suspension by President Bola Tinubu, which was imposed after the governor declared a State of Emergency in the state. The suspension and subsequent apology have fueled speculation about potential reconciliation efforts, but Wike’s latest statements suggest underlying divisions that could prolong the conflict.
Speaking during a recent public engagement, Wike claimed that Omehia, Sekibo, and Okpara—former political allies and key stakeholders in Rivers State—are actively encouraging Fubara to adopt a confrontational stance against him. “They are the ones pushing him to go head-to-head with me,” Wike asserted, without providing specific evidence. This accusation adds another layer to the intricate web of rivalries that have plagued Rivers State’s political landscape, stemming from disputes over party loyalties, governance, and control of the state’s resources.
The backdrop to these claims includes Fubara’s suspension by President Tinubu in late 2023, which was a response to the governor’s controversial declaration of a State of Emergency amid internal party crises within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports indicate that Fubara’s apology to Wike was conveyed through intermediaries, signaling an attempt to de-escalate the situation and restore stability in the oil-rich state.
As the drama unfolds, political analysts warn that the involvement of high-profile figures like Omehia, Sekibo, and Okpara could further polarize Rivers State, potentially impacting governance and economic activities. Stakeholders are calling for dialogue and intervention from federal authorities to prevent the crisis from worsening.
