Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has offered fresh insight into the political disagreement between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying concerns about the future of his political structure influenced his camp’s decision not to support the governor for a second term.
Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday, Wike traced the roots of the dispute to developments that unfolded after the 2023 general election, when Fubara emerged as his preferred successor and won the governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The relationship between the two politicians, once considered close allies, later deteriorated, triggering a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State. The fallout led to a split within the State House of Assembly, competing political loyalties across the state, and months of uncertainty over governance before reconciliation efforts began.
Reflecting on the crisis, Wike said there was a stage when both camps considered moving beyond their disagreements.
“There was a time we all agreed to let bygones be bygones, but something fundamental came up in politics,” Wike said.
According to the former Rivers governor, discussions within his political family later shifted after supporters expressed fears that accepting the situation could weaken the influence they had built over the years.
“We all met and said if we allow this, there are those who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant.”
Wike argued that the decision taken by his associates was not based solely on personal differences but on what they believed was necessary to preserve their political future in Rivers State.
Wike Alleges External Interests in Rivers Politics
The FCT minister also claimed that powerful interests outside the state were attempting to gain control of Rivers’ political landscape.
Describing Rivers as one of Nigeria’s most strategic states because of its economic importance and oil wealth, Wike said his camp believed it was necessary to resist what it viewed as external interference.
“Two, there are external forces who want to hijack Rivers State. We should not allow them hijack Rivers State. They are those who see Rivers State as a cash cow,” he said.
Although Wike did not identify the individuals or groups he was referring to, he maintained that protecting the state’s political structure remained a priority for his supporters.
Rivers Crisis Continues to Shape State Politics
The political standoff between Wike and Fubara has remained one of the most closely watched developments in Nigerian politics since late 2023.
The crisis reshaped the political landscape in Rivers, dividing elected officials and party leaders into rival camps. It also attracted the attention of the Presidency and other stakeholders, with several efforts made to restore stability in the state.
In recent months, Wike has indicated that communication with Fubara has improved, suggesting that attempts at reconciliation are ongoing. However, his latest remarks show that disagreements over political control and the future direction of Rivers politics remain central to the dispute.
His comments also provide further context to why his political camp has ruled out supporting Fubara’s future re-election bid, insisting that preserving its relevance and preventing what it sees as outside influence remain key considerations.
Submit a Press Release | Advertise With Fresh News | Contact Us
