THIS DAWN — In a dramatic twist to the ongoing political tussle in Rivers State, Senator John Azuta Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has been described as beating the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to silence, leaving the former governor momentarily stunned.
Political commentator Umar Sani captured the moment, declaring that Wike learned silence from Mbata in the war of words.
During the 2025 Eneka Day Celebration in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mbata openly challenged Wike’s influence over Rivers’ politics.
Addressing a crowd that included Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Mbata asserted:
“There is only one governor in Rivers State, whether you like it oo, you don’t like it oo. If you like, shout from now till tomorrow.”
The statement was met with loud cheers, signaling strong public support for his position.
Background to the Clash
Wike, who has remained a dominant figure in Rivers’ politics despite leaving office, has often clashed with Governor Fubara and other leaders over control of the state’s political machinery.
Mbata, a former lawmaker and respected Igbo leader, accused Wike of attempting to undermine the sitting governor and warned that Rivers State “belongs to all of us”.
In a fiery exchange, Mbata even reminded Wike of his humble beginnings, saying: “You’ve forgotten when you used to wash my car.”
The confrontation underscores the deepening rift between Wike and Rivers leaders, with Mbata’s intervention seen as a rallying cry for those resisting Wike’s continued dominance.
Umar Sani captures the theme
Umar Sani’s remark that Mbata “beat Wike to silence” reflects the perception that Wike, known for his combative rhetoric, was effectively outmaneuvered in this instance.
The episode highlights the fragile balance of power in Rivers State, where loyalty to Governor Fubara is increasingly being asserted against Wike’s influence.
Supporters of Governor Fubara hailed Mbata’s boldness, describing it as a defense of democratic authority.
Wike’s camp, however, dismissed the remarks as political grandstanding, insisting that his influence in Rivers remains intact.
Background to the Rift
- Wike’s Dominance:
Since leaving office, Wike has sought to maintain control over Rivers’ political machinery, often clashing with Governor Fubara and other leaders.
- Mbata’s Intervention:
As a respected Igbo leader and former senator, Mbata accused Wike of undermining the sitting governor, warning that Rivers State “belongs to all of us” and cannot be monopolized.
- Personal Jabs:
In a viral video, Mbata reminded Wike of his humble beginnings, saying: “You’ve forgotten when you used to wash my car.”
The remark drew laughter and applause, further diminishing Wike’s standing in the exchange.
Wike’s Response
Wike, known for his combative rhetoric, dismissed Mbata as a “local politician without success” despite his eight years in the Senate.
However, observers noted that his response lacked the usual force, reinforcing Umar Sani’s assertion that Mbata had effectively silenced him.
The confrontation highlights the fragile balance of power in Rivers State, where loyalty to Governor Fubara is increasingly being asserted against Wike’s influence.
Mbata’s intervention is significant for several reasons:
- Legitimacy of Governance:
By declaring that “there is only one governor,” Mbata reinforced Fubara’s authority and challenged Wike’s attempts to overshadow him.
- Ethnic and Regional Solidarity:
As President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mbata’s stance carries weight among Igbo communities, signaling broader resistance to Wike’s dominance.
- Political Realignment:
The episode may embolden other leaders to openly resist Wike, reshaping Rivers’ political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Public Reaction
- Pro-Fubara Supporters:
Many hailed Mbata’s boldness, describing it as a defense of democratic authority and a necessary stand against Wike’s overreach.
- Wike’s Camp:
His allies dismissed the remarks as political grandstanding, insisting that Wike’s influence remains intact.
- Neutral Observers:
Analysts noted that the exchange reflects a growing shift in Rivers politics, where Wike’s once-unquestioned dominance is now being openly contested.
The Bigger Picture
The Rivers State crisis is emblematic of Nigeria’s broader political struggles, where former leaders often seek to retain influence long after leaving office.
Mbata’s intervention underscores the importance of respecting democratic institutions and the authority of elected governors.
As Umar Sani aptly put it, Mbata “beat Wike to silence” — a symbolic moment that may mark the beginning of a new chapter in Rivers politics.
Whether this confrontation leads to lasting change or further deepens the crisis remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for Rivers State is far from over.
