In a move that has set tongues wagging across Nigeria’s political circles, Senate President Godswill Akpabio paid a visit to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at his residence in Abuja on March 18, 2025. The meeting, which took place just hours after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, has sparked intense speculation about its purpose and timing, particularly given Wike’s central role in the ongoing political crisis in his home state.
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A High-Profile Visit at a Critical Moment
The encounter was brought to public attention through a statement by Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, who shared details and images of the visit on X. Olayinka described it as a meeting between “the Uncommon Senate President, Godswill Akpabio” and the FCT Minister at Wike’s Abuja home, though no official agenda was disclosed. The timing—coinciding with heightened tensions in Rivers State—has fueled theories about behind-the-scenes political maneuvering involving two of Nigeria’s most influential figures.
Akpabio, a seasoned politician and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, arrived at Wike’s residence accompanied by a retinue of aides, a gesture underscoring the significance of the visit. Wike, a former Rivers State governor and a key player in the PDP before his appointment to Tinubu’s APC-led administration, has been at the epicenter of a power struggle with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers, which suspended Fubara and the state assembly, has only intensified the spotlight on Wike’s influence.
Context: Rivers State in Turmoil
The backdrop to this visit is the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, a vital economic hub due to its oil wealth. President Tinubu’s announcement on March 18 suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state legislature for six months, citing governance failures and security threats like pipeline vandalism. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as administrator, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from PDP leaders and civil society groups, who see it as a federal overreach possibly orchestrated to favor Wike.
Wike’s fallout with Fubara, once his protégé, has split the state’s political elite, with Wike maintaining sway over a faction of 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC. Tinubu’s address pointedly blamed Fubara for the crisis, accusing him of obstructing the legislature—a narrative that aligns with Wike’s public criticisms of the governor—while avoiding any mention of Wike’s role. This omission has led many to question whether the emergency declaration was a strategic move to bolster Wike’s position, a theory that Akpabio’s visit seems to amplify.
What Could They Be Discussing?
While no official statement has clarified the purpose of the meeting, political analysts and social media commentators have offered several possibilities. One prevailing theory is that Akpabio and Wike were aligning strategies to consolidate support in the National Assembly for the emergency rule. Posts on X have even claimed—without verified evidence—that Wike provided Akpabio with substantial funds, possibly millions of dollars, to sway senators in favor of the president’s decision. Though such allegations remain unconfirmed, they reflect the public’s suspicion of backroom deals in Nigeria’s high-stakes politics.
Another angle suggests the visit was a show of solidarity between two allies within the APC ecosystem. Akpabio, who owes part of his Senate presidency win in 2023 to Wike’s support despite their differing party affiliations at the time, has maintained a close relationship with the FCT Minister. Their meeting could indicate coordination to ensure the Rivers situation strengthens their mutual standing in Tinubu’s administration, particularly as Wike faces accusations of orchestrating the crisis to regain control of his home state.
Public and Political Reactions
The visit has not gone unnoticed, drawing sharp reactions from various quarters. PDP governors, in a statement on March 19, lambasted Tinubu’s emergency declaration as biased and divisive, accusing him of shielding Wike while punishing Fubara. They vowed to stand by the suspended governor, hinting at legal challenges to reverse the federal action. On X, Nigerians expressed a mix of outrage and cynicism, with some labeling the Akpabio-Wike meeting a “celebration” of Fubara’s ousting, while others questioned the integrity of the National Assembly under Akpabio’s leadership.
Civil society voices, including the Nigerian Bar Association, have echoed concerns about democratic erosion, arguing that suspending elected officials exceeds the constitutional scope of a state of emergency. For many Rivers residents, the sight of two powerful figures convening in Abuja while their state faces uncertainty only deepens distrust in the political class.
Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
This high-profile rendezvous underscores the intricate interplay of loyalty, power, and ambition in Nigeria’s governance. Akpabio’s visit to Wike, set against the Rivers crisis, highlights the blurred lines between state and federal authority, as well as the personal rivalries that often dictate national policy. If the meeting was indeed about rallying legislative backing for Tinubu’s decision, it could signal a broader consolidation of APC influence in the South-South, with Wike as a linchpin.
For now, the lack of transparency about the discussion leaves room for conjecture. Was it a strategic powwow to secure the Rivers agenda, a routine courtesy call, or something more? As Nigeria watches this unfolding drama, the Akpabio-Wike meeting serves as a potent reminder of how individual relationships can shape the fate of entire regions in a politically charged nation.
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