In a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affirmed that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, remains his political son. Wike emphasized that his ongoing battle is not with Fubara but with individuals he claims have been influencing the governor against him.
Wike stated, “That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” He further clarified, “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for.” Wike accused these individuals of misleading Fubara and asserted, “When you don’t defeat them, they will think you… Defeat them to the final stage.”
The political tension between Wike and Fubara has been escalating since 2023, leading to a significant crisis in Rivers State. Reports indicate that Fubara, who was suspended by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, had apologized to Wike for the fallout. Despite this, the rift continues to affect the state’s political landscape.
In a related development, Wike has expressed openness to reconciliation, stating he would forgive Fubara if the governor sincerely seeks peace.
However, he emphasized that for peace to prevail, Fubara must take the necessary steps, including re-presenting the 2025 budget to the state assembly and submitting the names of his commissioners for