Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he is not at war with Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, despite ongoing political tensions in the state. Wike said the real issue is with those around Fubara who are trying to create division.
Speaking on live interview, Wike explained that he has no personal problem with the governor, to whom he gave his support in the previous election. He further added, “Fubara is not the person I’m fighting. I made him governor. I can’t be the same person destroying him.”
He accused unknown political leaders of mind poisoning of the governor and milking the crisis to garner cheap political capital. It is Wike’s only concern, he continued, that Fubara’s administration must fulfill agreements entered into before the election.
Flashback:
The feud between the two men began some while after Fubara took over. Late 2023 had reports of disagreeing on controlling state institutions. The rivalry intensified when the Rivers State House of Assembly attempted to impeach Fubara. People doubted the move was carried out by Wike’s loyalists.
The crisis led to street demonstrations, divided loyalties, and a dissolved state assembly. President Bola Tinubu stepped in, calling the two leaders to Abuja for a peace conference. While a temporary peace was achieved, cracks are beginning to appear.
Wike stated that he took a step back but will not allow political betrayal to pass without consequences. He discredited insinuations that he pursued dominance over Fubara but insisted on the need for leaders to show loyalty and respect institutions that put them in position.
He also warned his detractors against misconstruing silence with weakness, that he would again raise his voice if the wrong things were being done.
In short, Wike continues to insist his fight is not with Governor Fubara but with individuals whom he believes are fiddling power and misusing confidence. It is a question of what happens behind doors whether or not there will be peace in Rivers State
