A fiery exchange between Senator John Azuta-Mbata and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has spotlighted a shifting political landscape in Rivers State. The confrontation, which erupted publicly at the Eneka Day celebration in Obio/Akpor on December 30, 2025, underscores tensions over influence, loyalty, and authority in the state.

Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, declared to the crowd:

“There is only one governor in Rivers State, whether Wike likes it or not.”

Long silent in the face of Wike’s prior opposition—questioning his Igbo identity and undermining his leadership—Mbata chose the event to publicly assert his stance. In follow-up statements on December 31, he attacked Wike personally, invoking past debts and humiliations to highlight what he sees as Wike’s overreach and arrogance.

Wike responded on January 1, 2026, dismissing Mbata as a “local politician” playing community games, ridiculing attacks on his education, and attempting to assert continued relevance.

Political analysts note that the clash is not just about personal grievances. It reflects a broader realignment: Governor Siminalayi Fubara has gained presidential backing, control of party structures, financial leverage, and popular goodwill, leaving Wike’s earlier dominance in question. Mbata’s outburst signals his alignment with the emerging power center.

Civil society commentators described the confrontation as both inevitable and revealing. George Batambari said Mbata’s statements were “well-timed”, given years of restraint despite personal and political slights. Others warned Wike against overestimating his influence in the new Rivers political order, highlighting the risk of being sidelined.

Supporters of Wike insist he remains loyal and influential, but the events demonstrate that Rivers State power is quietly shifting, and personal memory and political strategy now collide in high-stakes public view.