Former lawmaker and President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Mbata, has responded sharply to comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Rivers State politics.

Speaking at the 2025 Eneka Day Celebration held on Tuesday in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mbata insisted that Rivers State has only one governor. The event was attended by the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

“There is only one governor in Rivers State, whether you like it or not. If you like, shout from now till tomorrow,” Mbata said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. His statement was widely seen as a response to recent remarks by Wike on political leadership in the state.

Earlier the same day, Wike had caused controversy during a visit to Khana Local Government Area, where he warned Rivers residents against repeating “past political mistakes” ahead of the 2027 general election. The FCT Minister had last weekend in Ahoada West and Ahoada East warned Governor Fubara against claiming to be the leader of the APC in Rivers state, even though Wike is not (yet) a member of the party.

“We won’t make mistakes again. The first one you have done, have they said thank you?” Wike asked supporters, who responded, “No!”

He added that making another mistake could lead to political consequences, urging voters to be careful with their choices. Although Wike did not mention Governor Fubara by name, many observers interpreted his comments as an indirect attack on his successor, with whom he has been involved in a long-running political dispute.