Politics

BREAKING: I Won’t Hand Over Rivers ₦700bn IGR to Anyone — Gov Fubara Stands Firm

Published by admin on January 9th, 2026.

BREAKING: I Won’t Hand Over Rivers ₦700bn IGR to Anyone — Gov Fubara Stands Firm

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vowed not to yield to pressure to transfer ₦700 billion—representing 35% of the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR)—to any individual, intensifying a fierce power standoff with former Governor Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister.

The disagreement has stirred widespread concern over the welfare of Rivers residents, with over 4.4 million people living in multidimensional poverty. The rift between Fubara and Wike, who had handpicked Fubara as his successor, has escalated into public confrontations, political defections, and ongoing legal battles.

Wike has threatened to make Rivers State “ungovernable” should Fubara refuse his demands, while his supporters have issued warnings of potential action against the governor. Fubara, in turn, has maintained that he will not be intimidated, emphasizing that “Rivers State is not a playground” and affirming his readiness to protect the state’s resources. Supporters of the governor have also hinted at mobilising counter-protests in response.

The stalemate has disrupted governance in the state, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency. With both sides standing firm, the dispute underscores broader concerns about godfatherism in Nigerian politics and its effects on state administration. While Wike accuses Fubara of ingratitude, Fubara views the demands as an attempt to undermine his authority and derail his government’s agenda.