The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured supporters that he remains in control of Rivers State, despite his ongoing political clash with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his former protégé.

Wike made the statement during a civic reception organized in his honor by the Wariwike Ethnic Nationality in Ogu, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area on Saturday. He told the gathering that the state’s political tensions were under control.

“When God promotes you, you can look back and say, ‘I thank You,’” Wike said. “Go home and sleep peacefully. We are in charge.”

The feud between Wike and Fubara began in 2023 after a fallout between the governor and lawmakers loyal to Wike.

The crisis escalated in March 2025, resulting in Fubara’s six-month suspension and the imposition of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu. Though the emergency rule was lifted, the dispute continued, with pro-Wike legislators threatening impeachment over alleged unconstitutional conduct.

In a move seen as protecting his position, Fubara recently joined the All Progressives Congress. Wike, in response, launched the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a platform aimed at rallying political leaders across party lines in support of Tinubu’s re-election.

He also accused the state government of denying the use of Yakubu Gowon Stadium for the group’s event, though Fubara said the stadium was undergoing construction.

During the reception, Wike praised his long-time allies, emphasizing that those who have stood by him since 2014 had never disappointed him. He distinguished them from later supporters who joined after his rise to power.

Wike also commended President Tinubu for revitalizing the Niger Delta Commission, saying the agency now operates differently thanks to the president’s commitment to “renew the hope of the hopeless.”