By SUNTV Global Channel | December 28, 2025
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a fresh attack on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, over the public disclosure of an alleged ₦600 billion in the state’s treasury, describing the move as politically inexperienced, reckless, and dangerous.
Wike said openly announcing such a huge sum had exposed Rivers State to intense political manipulation, attracting politicians whose interest, he claimed, was not governance but access to the state’s resources.
Governor Fubara had earlier defended his administration’s financial transparency, insisting that all funds received and spent by the state were properly documented and open to public scrutiny. He disclosed that before the declaration of emergency rule, he left over ₦300 billion in state accounts, and upon his return, the figure had risen to more than ₦600 billion, with records of ongoing projects and expenditures intact.
However, speaking during a political gathering organised by Rivers State House of Assembly members loyal to him, Wike faulted the disclosure, warning that it had created a fertile ground for political opportunists within and outside the state.
“If you are experienced in Nigerian politics, you will know that Nigerian politicians like Rivers State money,” Wike said. “If you come out and announce that you have ₦600 billion, you have made a very serious mistake.”
According to the former Rivers governor, the announcement emboldened political actors who are now pushing narratives aimed at sidelining him in order to gain access to the funds.
“For them to suck part of that ₦600 billion, they must first say Wike is over,” he stated.
Wike also alleged that the controversy surrounding the funds had become a daily political business, with media reports, endorsements, and public praise allegedly exchanged for financial benefits.
“Every day, they put something in one newspaper and collect their own share,” he said, describing the trend as “political 419.”
The FCT minister further criticised the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, over their recent visits to Governor Fubara. He alleged that the visits were motivated by interest in the reported ₦600 billion.
Ribadu, alongside the Ministers of Works and Environment, had earlier visited Fubara to deliver President Bola Tinubu’s message of satisfaction with the governor’s leadership and to commend him on efforts to revive oil exploration in Ogoniland.
In another visit, Senator Bashiru reportedly assured that Rivers people would support President Tinubu and Governor Fubara in the 2027 elections. President Tinubu had also recently appointed Fubara into the APC Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution, and Mobilisation.
Wike, however, dismissed the visits and endorsements, insisting they only came after lawmakers publicly disclosed the huge funds in the state’s coffers.
“That mistake of announcing ₦600 billion has brought politicians from other states,” he alleged. “I know them. They will say, ‘Wike’s time is over,’ so they can collect their share.”
He concluded by stating that such practices did not flourish during his time as governor because of his experience and deep understanding of Abuja politics.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments in the Rivers State political crisis.
