I Told GEJ, ‘This Man You Are Making Gov Will Fight. I Know Him Very Vell,’ But He Refused—Sara-Igbe

In an interview on Symfoni TV on Monday, November 2, 2026, Anabs Sara-Igbe, a Niger Delta activist and prominent political leader from Rivers State, spoke about the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State.

Sara-Igbe recalled that he had warned former President Goodluck Jonathan about Wike before the latter became governor. According to him, he had concerns about Wike’s character and anticipated possible disagreements if he eventually assumed the governorship.

Speaking during the interview, Sara-Igbe stated, “I told Goodluck Jonathan, ‘This man you are making governor will fight. I know him very well,’ but he refused.” He made the remark while reflecting on the political decisions that led to Wike’s emergence as governor.

The activist’s statement suggests that he had reservations about Wike’s suitability for the position before his election. He maintained that his warning was based on his knowledge of the former governor and his expectations about how he would exercise political authority.

Wike served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023 after succeeding Rotimi Amaechi. His administration was marked by major political developments, while his influence in the state’s politics has remained a subject of public discussion since leaving office.

The relationship between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has also attracted considerable attention following the political crisis that emerged between them. Their disagreement has contributed to divisions among political stakeholders in Rivers State.

He concluded that the political developments witnessed in Rivers State demonstrate why the concerns he said he raised before Wike became governor should not have been dismissed.