
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Special Assistant on Electronic Media to suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Jerry Omotsegunwa, has stated that Fubara is yet to be informed by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, about the reason behind their ongoing political crisis.
The conflict, which began in late 2023, escalated into a full-blown political crisis that led to President Bola Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. This decision resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara and members of the state’s House of Assembly.
Amaechi Alleges Crisis Rooted in Money Disputes
In a recent interview with DW, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, suggested that the feud between Wike and Fubara stemmed from a dispute over money sharing.
Amaechi, however, strongly criticized President Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional.
Fubara’s Aide Responds to Amaechi’s Claim
Reacting to Amaechi’s assertion, Omotsegunwa told The PUNCH on Sunday that Wike had not publicly clarified the reason behind his dispute with Fubara. He acknowledged that while Amaechi was entitled to his opinion, the real cause of the crisis remained unknown.
“As it stands right now, I will not dispute Amaechi’s position even though he has the right to his own opinion. This crisis has dragged on for almost two years now, and nobody has told us what the actual problem is.”
Omotsegunwa further noted that even when the governor’s impeachment was attempted, Fubara publicly asked what his offence was, but Wike’s only response was that Fubara had tried to “destroy his structure.”
“The FCT Minister has not told us anything that led to the crisis, and the governor too has not provided any clarity. These matters put together, we’ve not been able to decipher the real issue.”
Wike’s Camp Declines Comment
When contacted for a response on Sunday, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, declined to comment on the matter.
The crisis in Rivers State continues to raise political tensions, with stakeholders and political observers awaiting further clarifications on the true cause of the dispute.