Fubara’s early push for political structure triggered rift – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has attributed the prolonged political crisis between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to what he described as the governor’s decision to build an independent political structure shortly after assuming office.

Speaking during a media chat, Wike said Fubara’s move to distance himself from the political coalition that supported his emergence as governor marked the beginning of the disagreement between both leaders.

According to the former Rivers governor, Fubara attempted to establish his own political base within his first 100 days in office instead of consolidating the existing structure that secured victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Wike argued that his administration had laid a strong developmental foundation for Rivers State and expected his successor to focus on sustaining ongoing projects rather than engaging in political realignments.

“My thinking was that we needed to compete with Lagos. We had laid the foundation, and he should have continued from there,” Wike said, adding that politics requires careful decision-making and distinguishing between genuine allies and those pursuing personal interests.

He cited major infrastructure projects initiated during his administration, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road and the construction of multiple flyovers, as evidence of the development agenda he believed should have remained the government’s priority.

The FCT minister also alleged that Governor Fubara received advice from individuals who had opposed his candidacy before the 2023 governorship election. According to Wike, those advisers encouraged the governor to sever ties with his political benefactors, worsening the relationship between them.

Responding to allegations that their fallout was linked to financial demands on the Rivers State Government, Wike dismissed the claims as baseless. He maintained that his current position as FCT minister, with responsibility for one of the country’s largest public budgets, leaves him with no reason to seek financial support from the state.

He urged political leaders to prioritise stability, continuity in governance and development, warning that abandoning established political structures could undermine effective leadership.

The political rift between Wike and Fubara has dominated Rivers State politics since 2023, leading to prolonged tensions within the state’s political establishment and drawing national attention.