John Azuta-Mbata, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has intensified his criticism of Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), amid the lingering political tension in Rivers state.
The former Rivers governor has recently made several remarks widely interpreted as veiled attacks on Siminalayi Fubara, following the governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike is reported to have opposed Fubara’s defection, especially after the political structure of the PDP in Rivers aligned with that of the APC-led federal government.
The FCT minister recently said he would soon disclose details of the peace agreement reached between him and Fubara.
In June, President Bola Tinubu brokered a truce between both men in an effort to resolve the prolonged political crisis in the state.
However, Wike later accused the governor of violating the agreement and cautioned residents of Tai local government area against individuals who fail to honour agreements.
On Tuesday, Wike said the leadership error in Rivers would be corrected in 2027.
In what appeared to be a reference to Fubara, the minister stressed that leaders must place public interest above personal ambition.
Responding, Azuta-Mbata, a former senator who represented Rivers east, dismissed Wike’s comments and insisted that Rivers state has only one governor.
“There is only one governor in Rivers state, whether you like it oo, you don’t like it oo. If you like, shout from now till tomorrow,” he said to cheers from his audience.
Wike fired back on Wednesday, describing Mbata as a local politician who spent eight years in the senate without tangible achievements.
“Yesterday, I was watching television. I heard somebody who was a senator, who is supposed to be talking about state politics, national politics, but he is playing community politics, endorsing someone in his community which is not even a ward, senator for 8 years but there is nothing you can say you did for your people,” Wike said.
“When my predecessor was in office, people so much believe in contracts, government in power, and the person was there, we defeated them.
“Immediately my predecessor left, I came, he was also there, now I have left and he is also there, any government in power… people don’t have integrity, nobody can think he will use us and after agree something you will renege on.
“You think you are a smart politician, that you are clever by half.
“Very soon, we will let the people of Rivers know what we agreed on before Mr. President. If you can renege on what we agreed with the president, then who are we?”
But in a viral video, Mbata responded sharply, questioning Wike’s conduct, intellect and public demeanor.
“One of the signs of very poor education and upbringing is that you can’t even pronounce simple words. What’s the meaning of ‘inteegreety? Inteegreety… inteegreety’?” he asked.
“Can somebody tell this semi-illiterate, swashbuckling, crisis-loving gentleman that Rivers state belongs to all of us, not him alone?
“And we will resist you. You won’t get away with all this nonsense you’re doing.
“You think because nobody is talking, you can do anything?”
Rivers state was gripped by political turmoil for much of 2025 following the rift between Fubara and Wike.
The crisis eventually led to the declaration of emergency rule in the oil-producing state, which was lifted in September.
(THE CABLE)
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