Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to “climb down from his high horse” and pursue reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in a bid to resolve the longstanding political crisis rocking Rivers State.
Fayose made the remarks during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, urging humility and dialogue to end the impasse.
Fayose said Fubara and other political actors “got their strength from other people,” suggesting that recognition of political mentorship and alliances should inform governance behaviour.
“My own position is always clear. Fubara, my governor, all of them, got their strength from other people,” he said, underscoring the importance of acknowledging political support networks in leadership.
Highlighting the contrast between political office and influence, Fayose criticised Fubara’s contestation of Wike’s role as “001” — a title denoting political primacy — saying it was inappropriate for the governor to challenge his predecessor’s standing.
“There’s a difference between the office and 001… It is a sad narrative for Governor Fubara to be struggling,” he said, adding that Fubara should manage the situation with greater restraint.
Fayose drew on his own political experience, recalling advice he once gave to his successor in Ekiti to cooperate with predecessors irrespective of differences. “I told my governor… don’t say ill of him, cooperate with him,” Fayose said, emphasising that humility and cooperative leadership can stabilize political environments.
Addressing reports that Fubara had previously apologised to Wike, Fayose said such gestures must reflect genuine remorse rather than superficial attempts to calm tensions. He cautioned against reliance on political allies who may abandon leaders when circumstances become unfavourable.
“Those people leading on Governor Fubara, if Governor Fubara goes down today, they will run away,” he said.
Fayose also referenced the Rivers State House of Assembly’s impeachment proceedings against Fubara, which include allegations such as demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending and defiance of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy — developments that have intensified the political standoff.
The former governor warned that Fubara could have faced political extinction had the state of emergency not been declared, and urged him to learn from history as he navigates current challenges.
“The emergency rule was all-winning for Governor Fubara… It is time for Governor Fubara to learn,” Fayose said.
Fayose’s appeal reflects ongoing concerns among political stakeholders about the persistent rift between Fubara and Wike, which has contributed to governance instability in Rivers State and prompted interventions from federal actors seeking a mediated solution.
