CurrentReport Blog In a recent address at a grand reception for the Kalabari people in Rivers State, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, took a direct swipe at the Governor of Rivers State, Simi Fubara. Wike accused Fubara of surrounding himself with individuals who, according to the former governor, have their own ambitions to take over the leadership of the state.
Wike’s comments, which were delivered in a candid and critical tone, center around the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State. The Minister, who served as the Governor of Rivers before Fubara, suggested that Fubara’s political allies were offering him “bad advice,” which was severely damaging to his governance. According to Wike, these individuals were more interested in personal power than the well-being of the state.
“You (Fubara) surrounded yourself with people who wanted to be governor, whom I said ‘no, these people don’t mean well for Rivers State.’ They are the ones surrounding you, giving you advice. Do you think you will succeed? They will give bad advice, and look at what bad advice is doing to you. You are already down 2-0, and there’s more to come,” Wike said during his speech.
This latest attack on Fubara follows a series of events that have marked a turbulent period in Rivers State politics. Tensions have been high ever since the Supreme Court ordered that the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly resume their functions immediately, a decision that further compounded the political crisis in the state. The House had earlier declared an indefinite recess, citing the turmoil surrounding the governor’s leadership.
Wike’s Controversial Remarks on Fubara’s Ethnicity
In addition to criticizing Fubara’s choice of political advisers, Wike also raised questions about Fubara’s ethnic identity. The former governor alleged that Fubara was not truly of Ijaw descent, a claim that has stirred considerable controversy. Wike’s remarks, though based on his personal views, further fueled the already tense political atmosphere in the state.
The comment about Fubara’s ethnicity came after the governor’s recent budget presentation to the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, which has been a contentious issue among political observers. Some view Wike’s continued criticism as a way to discredit Fubara’s administration, while others believe it reflects deeper political divisions in the state, particularly between the Ijaw ethnic group, to which Wike belongs, and other political factions in Rivers.
Political Fallout and Divisions in Rivers State
The political climate in Rivers State has been unstable since Fubara’s election, with factions within the state legislature and key political players aligning themselves with different sides. Wike’s allegations about Fubara’s inner circle are seen by many as a reflection of the ongoing power struggle within the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has become a focal point in this political drama. Recently, the House declared an indefinite recess, a move that followed Fubara’s budget presentation. This decision has left many questioning whether the political landscape in the state is becoming increasingly fractured.
Fubara’s administration has been struggling with various challenges, including a lack of consensus within the state government and rising dissatisfaction among certain factions of the Rivers State populace. Critics argue that the ongoing division between Fubara and Wike, two powerful political figures in the state, is hindering the effective governance of Rivers.
What Lies Ahead for Fubara’s Administration?
As the political tension continues to escalate, it remains unclear how Fubara’s leadership will evolve in the coming months. Wike’s vocal criticism and the turmoil within the House of Assembly suggest that the governor’s position may be increasingly precarious. While Fubara still has significant support within the state, the growing opposition and internal divisions could have serious consequences for his political future.
For Rivers State, the coming weeks will likely bring more challenges, particularly as factions continue to jockey for influence and control. Whether Fubara can navigate this storm or if his political adversaries, including Wike, will succeed in further weakening his hold on power remains to be seen.
Nyesom Wike’s recent remarks about Governor Simi Fubara have added fuel to the fire of political instability in Rivers State. As Fubara’s allies come under fire for their supposed bad advice, and with ongoing friction in the state legislature, the political future of Rivers State appears uncertain. With both Wike and Fubara engaged in a power struggle, the state’s leadership faces more scrutiny and challenges than ever before.
