BREAKING: Wike soft pedals, declares suspended governor Fubara as his son

Wike soft pedals, declares suspended governor Fubara as his son

 

 

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described embattled Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as his “political son,” stating that he has never been in a personal feud with the governor despite the ongoing crisis rocking the state.

 

Wike made the comments during an interview with BBC Pidgin, published Saturday, where he addressed the political turmoil that has engulfed Rivers State since 2023.

 

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” Wike said, distancing himself from any direct confrontation with Fubara. “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for.”

 

According to the former Rivers State governor, his opposition is not directed at Fubara himself but at unnamed individuals whom he accuses of manipulating the governor for selfish gains.

 

“When you don’t defeat them, they will think you… Defeat them to the final stage. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara,” he added.

 

The rift between Wike and Fubara has fueled months of political instability in Rivers State.

 

Tensions peaked earlier this year when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, following widespread unrest and legislative paralysis. Governor Fubara was subsequently suspended in March amid deepening party divisions.

 

However, signs of reconciliation have emerged in recent weeks. Wike revealed that Fubara visited him at his residence along with two governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting a possible thaw in their strained relationship.

 

Sources also indicate that Fubara has issued a formal apology to Wike in an effort to mend fences.