Wike Hosts Suspended Rivers Lawmakers in Exclusive UK Dinner Amid Political Turmoil in Nigeria
In a development that has sparked fresh concerns about the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, reportedly hosted a private dinner in the United Kingdom on Monday night, April 7, 2025, for the suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The high-profile gathering was confirmed by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who disclosed that the meeting took place in an upscale London venue, bringing together key allies in what many analysts describe as a strategic political alignment amid ongoing state-level unrest.
The dinner comes just weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The move was triggered by escalating political tensions, legislative impasse, and alleged constitutional violations in the oil-rich state.
A Gathering Beyond Social Courtesy
While Wike’s camp insists the dinner was a “private social event” to reconnect with old political associates, critics argue it was more of a strategic meeting aimed at consolidating influence and plotting the next political moves. The gathering has been widely viewed as an attempt by the former governor to maintain his grip on Rivers politics, despite holding a federal appointment in the Tinubu administration.
Photos of the lawmakers—currently attending a five-day legislative training program in the UK—surfaced online earlier this week, triggering public outcry and debates about the legitimacy and funding of the trip. The dinner with Wike, however, adds a new layer of complexity to the unfolding political narrative.
Political observers believe the meeting could be part of an effort to regroup the pro-Wike faction of the Assembly and reinforce loyalty within his political structure as the battle for control in Rivers State intensifies.
Public Reactions: Divisive and Defiant
The private dinner has elicited mixed reactions across the Nigerian public. On social media, many users criticized the suspended lawmakers for engaging in luxury outings abroad while their constituents grapple with economic hardship and political uncertainty. Hashtags like #WikeDinner, #RiversAssemblyAbroad, and #PoliticalElitesUK began trending, with citizens questioning the priorities of their elected officials.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“While Rivers State bleeds, its politicians are dining in London. What happened to integrity and public service?”
Others viewed the dinner as a power statement, with some praising Wike for his continued political dexterity and influence.
A prominent political commentator, Dr. Chidi Nwoke, remarked:
“Wike remains one of the most strategic minds in Nigerian politics. Whether you love or hate him, he knows how to move the pieces—locally and internationally.”
Implications for Rivers’ Political Landscape
This latest development raises fresh questions about the federal government’s stance on neutrality in state-level crises. Wike’s dual role as FCT Minister and political influencer in Rivers State has already sparked debates over potential conflicts of interest.
Meanwhile, the Tinubu administration, which declared the state of emergency in Rivers just last month, has yet to comment on the London gathering or whether it falls within acceptable conduct for suspended public officials.
Legal experts are also weighing in, with some arguing that public funds should not be used to sponsor training or events for suspended officials, particularly when their official roles are currently inactive.
What Next?
With the 2025 political calendar heating up and power dynamics shifting rapidly, all eyes remain on Rivers State and the key actors shaping its future. The dinner in London, while private in setting, is likely to have public consequences in the coming weeks as the battle for control intensifies between pro-Wike loyalists and pro-Fubara supporters.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with calls for political accountability and institutional reforms, events like this reinforce the urgent need for transparency and responsible leadership—both at home and abroad.
