“Political power is transient, No Leader Holds Power Forever” — Wike Reminds Fubara Amid Rivers Political Crisis

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), , has declared that political power is transient, stressing that no individual can remain in leadership forever and that everyone must, at some point, take their turn to serve and eventually exit the stage.

Wike made the remarks during a “thank you” visit to , where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, and youths drawn from across the council. The visit formed part of his ongoing tour of the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, which he said was aimed at appreciating residents for their support during the 2023 general elections and mobilising continued backing for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.

Although Wike did not mention anyone by name, his comments were widely interpreted as a pointed reminder to his estranged successor, , with whom he has been locked in a prolonged political battle that has thrown Rivers State into months of uncertainty.

Speaking reflectively on the nature of leadership, Wike warned against the illusion of permanent authority, insisting that power belongs to God and is only temporarily entrusted to individuals.

“We should know that today I am a leader; tomorrow it will be your turn too. No one man can be a leader forever,” the former Rivers governor said to applause from the crowd. “It is not possible. God has never allowed that. So, everyone is saying Wike is our leader. As it is today, yes, but it can never be forever.”

Wike, who governed Rivers State for eight years before assuming office as FCT minister, emphasised that the principle of succession is central to leadership and governance. According to him, political actors must come to terms with the reality that others will inevitably follow them and that attempting to cling to power only breeds instability and resentment.

“Man comes, man goes,” he said, revisiting a phrase that has previously sparked controversy in the state. “When I said ‘man comes, man goes,’ people feared; as they are here now, they are afraid. What I mean by ‘man comes, man goes’ is that everybody has their own turn. When your time has come, you do whatever you can to the satisfaction of the people and according to the will of God.”

The FCT minister urged leaders at all levels to act with humility and restraint, reminding them that the respect they accord others while in power will ultimately determine how they themselves are treated when their own time is up.

“So, when you understand that a leader’s time will come, somebody will respect you too, and you should agree with all of them, don’t be looking for excuses because no one is perfect,” Wike added. “A bad leader is one who is advised but remains reluctant to change. But a good leader is one who listens to his people.”

Beyond personal leadership philosophy, Wike also touched on the political uniqueness of Rivers State, claiming that the state has demonstrated an uncommon ability to build alliances across party lines. He argued that this spirit of collaboration between leaders of the two major political parties played a decisive role in producing the current president.

Without naming names, Wike suggested that Rivers politicians have historically prioritised collective interests over narrow party considerations, a strategy he said should be sustained for the benefit of the state and the country.

His comments come against the backdrop of a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, where the House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. The lawmakers accuse the governor of failing to present the 2026 budget to the legislature and of alleged mismanagement of public funds—claims the governor’s camp has consistently dismissed as politically motivated.

A majority of the assembly members are widely regarded as loyal to Wike, a development that has further heightened tensions between the former allies. The rift between Wike and Fubara, once viewed as inseparable political partners, has evolved into a bitter power struggle that has divided the state’s political class and unsettled governance.

Wike has repeatedly criticised Fubara for what he describes as a breach of trust, accusing the governor of abandoning a peace agreement that was reportedly reached before President lifted emergency rule measures imposed to stabilise the state amid escalating tensions.

Supporters of the FCT minister argue that his latest remarks are a call for humility, order, and adherence to political agreements, while critics see them as veiled pressure on the governor at a time when democratic institutions in the state are already under strain.

Political observers note that Wike’s emphasis on the temporary nature of power may resonate with a broader audience beyond Rivers State, especially in a political environment often characterised by intense struggles for control and influence. However, they also point out the irony perceived by some Nigerians, who argue that Wike himself continues to wield significant influence over the state’s political machinery despite no longer being governor.

For residents of Rivers State, the ongoing face-off has raised concerns about governance, development, and stability. Civil society groups and elder statesmen have repeatedly called on both camps to de-escalate tensions and prioritise the welfare of the people over personal or factional interests.

As Wike continues his tour of the local government areas, his words are likely to be closely scrutinised for further clues about his intentions and the future of the political crisis. Whether his message of “man comes, man goes” will translate into reconciliation or further confrontation remains uncertain.

What is clear, however, is that the former governor is keen to remind both allies and rivals that political authority is fleeting—and that history ultimately judges leaders not by how long they held power, but by how well they used it when they had the chance.