The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again ignited controversy in Nigeria’s already heated political space after issuing a series of fiery and ominous remarks aimed at politicians he accused of betrayal, particularly those perceived to be backing Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike made the comments on Saturday in Port Harcourt while commissioning the Rivers State chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors office, a political support group aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Although Wike did not directly mention Governor Siminalayi Fubara by name during the speech, his comments were widely interpreted as being directed at individuals and political actors supporting the Rivers State governor amid the prolonged power struggle between both men.
Wike, who governed Rivers State for eight years before handing over to Fubara in May 2023, has been locked in a bitter political feud with his successor. The rift, which initially played out behind closed doors, has since escalated into open confrontation, leading to divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly, court battles, and repeated interventions by national political figures.
At the heart of the crisis are allegations of betrayal and attempts to dismantle the political structure Wike built during his time as governor. Wike has consistently accused Fubara and his allies of reneging on political agreements and attempting to sideline loyalists who helped secure electoral victory.
On the other hand, Fubara’s camp has maintained that the governor is simply asserting his constitutional authority and working to free himself from undue political control.
Senators, Reps Not Spared
In his Port Harcourt speech, Wike extended his criticism beyond Rivers State politics, targeting senators and members of the House of Representatives who, according to him, were lending support to the alleged betrayal.
He warned that such lawmakers would also face betrayal in their own political journeys, insisting that disloyalty attracts disloyalty.
“Since you are planting betrayal, betrayal will follow you everywhere. That is the seed you have planted, and whatever you plant, you will reap,” Wike said, invoking a moral and almost spiritual framing of political consequences.
The minister’s remarks have been described by some observers as unusually harsh, even by Wike’s well-known standards of blunt and combative rhetoric.
Mixed Reactions Trail Comments
Wike’s statements have drawn mixed reactions across the country. Supporters of the former Rivers governor argue that his comments, though dramatic, reflect deep frustration with what he perceives as political ingratitude and treachery.
Some party loyalists at the event hailed him as a leader who speaks his mind without fear, insisting that betrayal remains a major problem in Nigerian politics.
However, critics have condemned the remarks as reckless, inflammatory, and unbecoming of a serving minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Several civil society actors and political commentators have expressed concern that such language could heighten political tension and contribute to a culture of intolerance.
On social media, Nigerians were sharply divided. While some users defended Wike’s right to express himself and accused his opponents of hypocrisy, others warned that invoking death in political rhetoric crosses a dangerous line.
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Event Overshadowed
Ironically, the commissioning of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ Rivers State office was intended to highlight support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and showcase unity among party faithful. Instead, the event has been largely overshadowed by the controversy generated by Wike’s speech.
Political analysts note that the incident underscores the challenge facing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the federal government in managing internal divisions and high-profile personalities with strong regional influence.
Wike, though a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, played a crucial role in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential victory and was subsequently appointed FCT minister. His continued influence in Rivers State politics remains significant, even as tensions with his successor persist.
What Next for Rivers Politics?
As the political standoff in Rivers State drags on, Wike’s latest comments suggest that reconciliation may still be far off. Despite previous peace efforts reportedly involving President Tinubu and other national leaders, trust between the rival camps appears deeply eroded.
Observers warn that unless meaningful dialogue is pursued, the crisis could further destabilise governance in the state and distract from pressing developmental issues.
For now, Wike’s declaration that “anyone who supports betrayal will collapse and die” continues to reverberate across Nigeria’s political landscape, serving as yet another reminder of the intense, often personal nature of power struggles in the country’s politics.
Whether the remarks will have political consequences for the outspoken minister remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Nyesom Wike has once again ensured that all eyes are firmly fixed on Rivers State.
The event, which was meant to showcase grassroots mobilisation for the federal government’s agenda, quickly turned into a platform for the former Rivers State governor to vent his anger over the deepening political crisis in the oil-rich state
In a speech laced with strong language and dramatic warnings, Wike declared that politicians who support what he described as “betrayal” would eventually pay a heavy price, predicting their political downfall and even death. His remarks have since triggered widespread reactions across political, civil society, and social media circles.
“Whether you are a senator, House of Representatives member, minister or governor, and you support betrayals, people will continue to betray you in life. Betrayal is your portion,” Wike said.
According to him, the consequences of such actions would be severe and inevitable.
“The day you will be betrayed, you will not have mouth to say anything. There you will collapse and go, and they will announce that so so person has died,” he added, drawing murmurs and applause from sections of the audience.
