Wike dismisses rift with Fubara, blames political instigators for crisis

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has denied being in conflict with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, attributing the ongoing political turmoil to the actions of manipulative politicians.

In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Wike clarified that his issue was not with Fubara personally but with political figures attempting to mislead the governor and destabilise the system.

“I don’t see it as a fight. Fubara is like a son to me. Why would I engage in a feud with him?” Wike remarked. “I’m confronting those who are trying to grab power they didn’t earn.”

According to him, these political actors are now embarrassed as they face setbacks. He insisted that such individuals are behind Fubara’s stance.

The friction between Wike and Fubara, which began in 2023, has caused prolonged instability in Rivers State.

The crisis prompted President Bola Tinubu to impose emergency rule in the state, leading to Fubara’s six-month suspension.

Retired Naval officer Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed interim administrator and soon suspended all of Fubara’s political appointees.

Wike also quashed rumours about a possible presidential run under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Although speculations suggested he might contest if the PDP zoned its ticket to the South, Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu.

“I’m not planning to run. Why would I oppose someone I’m aligned with?” he said, expressing full support for Tinubu’s re-election.

When asked if Tinubu stood a chance in 2027, Wike asserted that the opposition lacked any credible challenger.

“They talk about zoning to the South—let them zone it first. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” he added.

Wike also acknowledged recent reports that Fubara visited him in a bid to reconcile. “Yes, he came with two governors, though they are from the APC. I won’t chase him away. He said he wants peace, and I said the same.”