Wike blames Fubara’s breakaway political structure for Rivers crisis

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has attributed the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to build a political structure separate from the one that facilitated his emergence, arguing that the move undermined the governor’s prospects of securing a second term.

Speaking during a media chat with selected radio stations in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said the breakdown in their relationship began less than 100 days after Fubara assumed office.

According to the former Rivers governor, the crisis was fuelled by advisers who encouraged Fubara to distance himself from those who supported his election.

“There are people who will tell you all kinds of things and convince you that you no longer need those who helped you get into office. The responsibility lies with you to separate good advice from bad,” Wike said.

“His mistake was trying to establish his own structure against the structure that brought him into office, and it happened too early. It started within his first 100 days in office.”

Wike said he repeatedly advised the governor to prioritise governance and build on the developmental foundation already laid in the state instead of becoming consumed by political disputes.

Recalling a discussion during a church service, he said he urged Fubara to define a clear vision for Rivers State and continue efforts to position it as a competitor to Lagos.

“I told him that he had been elected and needed to decide what he wanted to achieve. My vision was for Rivers to compete with Lagos, and I believed I had laid the foundation for that journey,” he said.

The FCT minister dismissed suggestions that their disagreement was motivated by financial interests, insisting that his concern had always been the state’s development.

“It was never about money. If it were, we wouldn’t be where we are today. My focus was on governance and ensuring Rivers kept pace with leading states. Unfortunately, he lost focus,” he said.

Addressing controversy surrounding impeachment threats during the political standoff, Wike clarified that his earlier remark that “there is no sin” referred to religious doctrine rather than political endorsement.

He described impeachment as a constitutional mechanism that may arise during political conflicts, adding that disputes could be resolved where parties prioritise the interests of the state.

“Everyone makes mistakes. Impeachment is a political instrument and situations can be resolved when parties are willing to put the interests of the state above personal differences,” he said.

Wike also commented on the political future of former Chief of Staff Edison Ehie and lawmakers who aligned with Fubara during the crisis, saying they would have to chart their own course following the governor’s reconciliation with his political camp.

According to him, Fubara’s return to the political family that supported his emergence does not automatically guarantee political opportunities for those who sided with him during the dispute.

The minister further argued that recent developments, including the Supreme Court’s decision nullifying the local government elections conducted under Fubara’s administration, had weakened the governor’s political standing.

He advised Fubara to be more discerning about the counsel he receives, maintaining that many of those who encouraged confrontation contributed little to resolving the crisis.

Rejecting claims that he sought to dominate Rivers politics, Wike argued that political structures and alliances are common features of democratic systems worldwide.

Drawing parallels with political developments in the United States, he said influential political blocs exist in many democracies and should not be viewed as attempts to control political processes.

On his relationship with President Bola Tinubu and the emerging political coalition around the President, Wike said both he and Fubara shared a common objective.

“If I support the President and the governor also supports the President, then we are working together. We are all working to deliver the candidates of the coalition,” he said.

Responding to concerns raised by opposition figures over political freedom in Rivers State, Wike dismissed allegations of intimidation and political suppression, insisting that enforcing existing laws should not be interpreted as victimisation.

“I’m not the head of government in Rivers State, but if someone is implementing a law that was passed, there’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t let this idea of opposition saying they’re not being allowed to enjoy freedom, it’s not true,” he said.

The minister also defended the Rainbow Coalition, a political alliance comprising four parties in Rivers State, describing it as a platform for promoting cooperation and reducing political conflicts ahead of future elections.

According to Wike, the coalition allows participating parties to agree on the allocation of elective positions based on political strength and suitability, thereby minimising unnecessary rivalry.

“The reason for coalition is so that we know that Party A will take this, Party B will take this. In that way there’s no fighting and we put the interest of the state first,” he said.

He maintained that the arrangement does not undermine democratic principles but enables parties to field candidates considered best suited for different elective offices.

“It doesn’t negate democratic tenets. We can say this candidate is good for Senate, let’s let him go, but another candidate from another party is better for another office,” Wike added.