ABUJA — The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State took a sharp turn this week as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike publicly accused his former mentor, Dr. Peter Odili, of failing to uphold a presidential peace agreement.
Accusations of Broken Agreements
Addressing supporters in the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area on January 6, 2026, Wike revealed that Dr. Odili was a formal signatory to the peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu in late 2023. Wike alleged that despite signing as a witness alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Odili has since “misled” Governor Siminalayi Fubara into abandoning the terms of the reconciliation.
Ongoing War of Words
The friction intensified following comments attributed to Dr. Odili in late 2024 and throughout 2025, where he praised Governor Fubara for “liberating” the state from the control of a single individual—a remark widely interpreted as a jab at Wike’s influence. In response, Wike has repeatedly:
- Accused Odili of sycophancy:Â Claiming the former governor is seeking political patronage from the current administration.
- Highlighted past favors:Â Reminding the public that he (Wike) built a mansion for Odili and sponsored PAMO University during his tenure as governor.
- Questioned Odili’s legacy: Challenging Odili’s record as an elder statesman and criticizing his 2007 presidential bid.
Fubara Realigns Cabinet
Amidst this war of words, Governor Fubara has continued to consolidate power. On January 7, 2026, the Governor officially re-absorbed cabinet members who had previously resigned during the heat of the rift, urging them to prioritize the interests of the state over personal loyalties.
Pressure for Redeployment
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, regional groups have begun calling for federal intervention. The Ijaw National Congress (West Africa Chapter) formally petitioned President Tinubu on Wednesday to redeploy Wike from the FCT Ministry to the Ministry of Niger Delta, citing his continued involvement in the destabilization of Rivers State politics.
