THIS DAWN — The political atmosphere in Rivers State has once again been inflamed by a heated exchange between John Mbata, President‑General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State.
The two prominent figures have traded insults and accusations, escalating tensions in a state already grappling with political divisions since the 2023 elections.
Mbata’s Attack on Wike
John Mbata, leader of the apex Igbo socio‑cultural organization, fired back at Wike in unusually harsh terms.
Speaking in a video, he described the former governor as “an illiterate, a big fool, and an idiot who used to wash my car.”
Mbata’s remarks came in response to Wike’s continued assertion of influence in Rivers politics and his claim that there is only one governor in the state.
Mbata’s comments reflect growing frustration among some stakeholders who view Wike’s ongoing political tours and pronouncements as undermining the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
By invoking personal insults, Mbata sought to delegitimize Wike’s political stature and portray him as unworthy of the influence he continues to wield.
Wike’s Response
Wike, never one to shy away from confrontation, quickly responded to Mbata’s remarks.
Speaking during his tour of Tai Local Government Area (LGA), part of his ongoing visits to all 23 LGAs in Rivers State, Wike dismissed Mbata’s criticisms and doubled down on his political messaging.
He reiterated that there is only one governor in Rivers State, a statement widely interpreted as support for Governor Fubara, with whom he has had a complicated relationship.
Wike also revealed that the agreement signed between himself and Fubara in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would soon be made public.
This agreement, reportedly aimed at resolving the political crisis in Rivers, has been the subject of speculation and debate.
Wike’s Political Positioning
In his Tai LGA speech, Wike acknowledged mistakes made at the state level in 2023 but vowed to correct them. He declared:
“We made a mistake in 2023 at the state level, and we’re here to correct it. We’re battle ready, and we’ll defeat them with their money.”
This statement underscores Wike’s determination to remain a central player in Rivers politics despite his current role as FCT Minister.
His ongoing tour of the LGAs is seen as a strategy to consolidate grassroots support and prepare for future political battles, possibly ahead of the 2027 elections.
The war of words between Mbata and Wike highlights the deepening fractures within Rivers State politics.
Mbata’s intervention, though couched in personal insults, reflects broader concerns about Wike’s continued dominance and the perception that he has not fully relinquished control despite leaving office.
For Wike, the confrontation provides an opportunity to project strength and rally supporters.
His promise to reveal the agreement with Governor Fubara suggests he intends to frame himself as a stabilizing force, even as critics accuse him of fueling instability.
National Context
The spat also has national implications. As FCT Minister, Wike remains a high‑profile figure in President Tinubu’s administration.
His political maneuvers in Rivers are closely watched by both allies and opponents, given the state’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s electoral map.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s involvement through Mbata reflects the intersection of ethnic and regional politics.
By challenging Wike, Mbata positions the Igbo socio‑cultural body as a defender of democratic norms and a critic of perceived political overreach.
The escalating war of words between John Mbata and Nyesom Wike underscores the volatile nature of Rivers State politics.
Mbata’s scathing insults and Wike’s defiant response reveal the intensity of the struggle for influence in the state.
As Wike continues his tour of the 23 LGAs, promising to correct past mistakes and expose agreements made with Governor Fubara, the political landscape in Rivers is set for further turbulence.
Whether these exchanges lead to reconciliation or deepen divisions remains to be seen.
However, one thing is clear: Rivers State will continue to be a focal point of Nigeria’s political drama in the years ahead.
