Rivers Crisis: A Spritual Problem
In a recent address to his congregation, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, the General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, has sparked significant conversation by characterizing the ongoing political feud in Rivers State as a spiritual problem rather than a merely political one.
According to reports and a viral video from late January 2026, Ibiyeomie asserted that the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is beyond the reach of human intervention, including that of President Bola Tinubu. Fight Fubara
Key Points from Pastor Ibiyeomie’s Address
The Spiritual Argument: Ibiyeomie stated that because the crisis is spiritual, “no mortal man” can solve it. He argued that human efforts, including those by the President, have failed because they are treating a spiritual ailment with physical solutions.
Historical Context: To support his claim, the cleric pointed to a long-standing pattern of political “godfathers” and “godsons” clashing in Rivers State:
- Peter Odili vs. his predecessor Ada George.
- Rotimi Amaechi vs. Peter Odili.
- Nyesom Wike vs. Rotimi Amaechi.
- And now, Sim Fubara vs. Nyesom Wike.
- A Recurring Cycle: He warned that even if Governor Fubara were to hand-pick a successor today, that person would eventually turn against him, suggesting a spiritual “curse” or cycle that only divine intervention can break.
Presidential Limitation: The pastor specifically noted that despite President Tinubu’s previous mediation efforts (including the peace accord signed in 2024), the crisis has persisted, which he cited as evidence that the President is unable to fix it.
Context of the Crisis
This statement comes at a time when Rivers State has faced intense political instability, including a Reported Declaration of a State of Emergency in mid-2025 and ongoing legal battles over the control of the State House of Assembly and local government funds.
“It’s not a physical problem. They have tried all means, even the President, and have not been able to solve the problem… It can never be solved by any physical man, except by the hand of God.” — Pastor David Ibiyeomie
