You already down 2-0, more to come – Wike mocks Fubara

Former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will face more setbacks as the political crisis in Rivers State intensifies.

Wike made this statement during a Thanksgiving Service and Civic Reception held in his honor in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area.

His visit, however, was met with strong opposition from the monarch of the community and residents, who protested against the event due to the ongoing political tensions in the state.

Earlier in the day, demonstrators took to the streets, blocking roads and carrying placards to reject Wike’s presence.

Videos circulating on social media showed women and youths voicing their displeasure and demanding that the former governor stay away.

Many cited his past remark that the Kalabari people are a minority in the state as a reason for their resentment.

The Amayanabo of Abalama, King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, also distanced himself from the event.

In a letter dated March 12, 2025, and addressed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, he expressed shock at learning about the gathering through social media and cited security concerns as the reason for rejecting it.

Meanwhile, the political crisis in the state deepened following a Supreme Court ruling that halted federal allocations to Rivers State until Governor Fubara presents the 2025 budget to the state House of Assembly.

The Assembly, led by Wike’s ally Martins Amaewhule, had adjourned plenary indefinitely last Friday, preventing Fubara from submitting the budget.

Reacting to the situation, Wike mocked Fubara’s leadership, blaming his advisers for his political struggles.

“You (Fubara) surrounded yourself with people who wanted to be governor, whom I said ‘no, these people don’t mean well for Rivers State.’”

“They are the ones surrounding you, giving you advice. Do you think you will succeed?”

“They will give bad advice, and look at what bad advice is doing to you.”

“You are already down 2-0, and there’s more to come,” Wike said.