•I have not endorsed anybody, says FCT minister

The Rivers State Government has dismissed allegations by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is neglecting governance in pursuit of a second-term agenda, insisting that the governor remains committed to delivering development across the state.

Wike had accused Fubara of failing to prioritise governance and of not making efforts to present a budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, the minister expressed concern over what he termed misplaced priorities.

“The governor is yet to submit his budget to the House of Assembly, but he is busy pursuing his second-term ambition,” Wike said.

He warned that the delay in presenting the budget could hamper the smooth running of government activities and the delivery of essential services to residents.

“President Tinubu intervened in the impeachment proceedings against Fubara, and the governor said, I’m ready for peace. I’m no longer interested in contesting for governor. I will not do it. Now, having withdrawn the impeachment, you’re playing smart on what you agreed before the President,” Wike added.

The latest developments have further heightened concerns over the apparent breakdown of the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu between the minister and the governor.

Checks by The Guardian indicate that the State House of Assembly has not sat for an extended period, amid speculations that the delay may be linked to efforts to avoid screening fresh commissioner nominees reportedly submitted by the governor after some earlier nominees were rejected.

Reacting to the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, said Fubara has remained focused on governance, particularly the execution and inspection of critical infrastructure projects across the state.

According to him, the governor has, in recent months, intensified project inspections to ensure timely delivery and improved service to residents, while also creating an enabling environment for investment.

“In the past few months, Siminalayi Fubara has been actively inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects. Just last week, he inspected the Creek Road Market and the Commissioners’ Quarters under construction. These projects are of great importance to him, and he is determined to see them completed and put to use promptly,” Nzeshi said.

He added that the administration inherited 12 major road projects from its predecessor, noting that nine of them have reached over 70 per cent completion, including the Trans-Kalabari Road Phase 1 and the Port Harcourt Ring Road.

“What further evidence is required to demonstrate that the governor is working and fully committed to delivering on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State?” he asked.

Nzeshi urged the public to disregard attempts to discredit the governor, maintaining that Fubara remains deliberate and focused on policies and programmes aimed at advancing the state’s development.

However, the FCT minister has said he has not endorsed any individual for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.

Wike said he cannot endorse anyone until the joint coalition involving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state meets.