Amid the renewed face-off between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his estranged political son, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, some political heavyweights in the state have thrown their weight behind the governor.
Those backing Fubara include former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; former Minister of Transportation, Abiye Sekibo; and former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia.
Governor Fubara disclosed their support on Thursday while speaking at the 2026 New Year State Banquet held at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
According to the governor, the presence of the political leaders at the event was a clear signal of their backing.
He acknowledged the presence of the political figures at the event and emphasised that their decisions had dispelled claims and blackmail that he was aligning with persons working against the interests of the President.
“Distinguished leaders who sat with us today signal their firm support not only for this administration but also for President Bola Tinubu,” Fubara said.
Fubara added that only those, who lacked understanding, would resort to “barking” when they could not interpret unfolding events.
The governor said: “There is no way people will be talking about us when we leave office. In fact books will be written about our administration, what we went through and how we survived.
“The truth is clear and the secret to our survival is just one thing, those who put their trust in God can never be put to shame. And because they can’t put us to shame the purpose of governance for this dear State will be achieved.
“I am happy this evening because seated on the high table there are very distinguished names in our dear state. What we are doing here is just to tell the world that these very distinguished persons here which include Prince Uche Secondus, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, Sir Celestine Omehia and Alabo Abiye Sekibo have come to join us at this new year banquet to tell the world that you stand with the administration of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“You are seating with us boldly so that the people will know that you are not into corner, corner business, you are standing with Fubara. And because you are standing with Fubara, your support is for Mr. President.
“So, I want to thank you this evening because you don’t know what you have done. We were being blackmailed in several places because of your political activities and not just because of politics but because of your names.
“But I am happy this evening that you told me you are going to come and seat with us so that the world will know that you are with us.
“That you have no affiliation whatsoever with any other group that is against Mr. President. Your choosing to support us is not because of me but to protect Rivers State.
“Let us not be fooled by whatever it is that is happening. Caeser in one of his quotes said the only reason why the dog barks, is when it doesn’t understand.
“So, we are not barking because we understand. We know where we are going and we are set for the things that are needed to make the journey smooth.
“So, let me thank everyone for this special evening and finding time to seat with us to celebrate the year of our Lord, a year of peace, a year that will usher in complete liberation.
“A year that when we look back, we will tell God yes, what happened is because of what you have and designed for us in the years ahead.
“I want to assure us that governance will continue in its full force. What we have set out to do for our state we will continue with it.
“We will make sure that by the time we finish everyone who stood with us will be proud, honored and can walk in the street of Port Harcourt with your shoulders high that you took a decision that was right at that time.”
Wike–Fubara Rift Deepens
The relationship between Wike and Fubara deteriorated again months after Bola Tinubu brokered peace between the duo.
In recent developments, the former governor has alleged that his successor deviated from the terms of the peace agreement reached with presidential intervention.
Wike has repeatedly insisted that “agreement is agreement,” a stance widely interpreted as a move to block Fubara’s re-election bid ahead of future elections.