The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence on the ongoing political rift between him and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, accusing unnamed adversaries of manipulating Fubara to wage war against him.
Wike, who governed Rivers State for eight years and played a key role in Fubara’s rise to the governorship, made the revelations during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
“This was somebody who you gave food and everything, then he became a tool for your enemies to fight you,” Wike lamented.
“Like a Son Who Brought Armed Robbers Against His Father”
Drawing from an emotional analogy, Wike likened Fubara’s alleged betrayal to a son turning on his father.
“You made your son, you gave him good education, provided food, ensured he lacked nothing… and in the night, he brings armed robbers and says your time is up. Somehow, God helped you, and you didn’t die.”
He added that despite calls for reconciliation and peace, the emotional scars remain fresh, implying that betrayal of such magnitude is not easily forgotten.
“We are all human. People say there should be peace — yes, nobody said there should be no peace — but how do you forget such pain?”
Wike Hints at Lack of Engagement from Fubara
The FCT minister also noted that despite a previous peace meeting held in Abuja, Fubara has yet to reach out to other critical stakeholders in Rivers State, suggesting a continued breakdown in political communication and trust.
“He hasn’t met stakeholders. He hasn’t even seen me again since that meeting.”
Background: A Fallout Between Godfather and Protégé
Wike and Fubara’s political relationship, once solid and seemingly unshakable, began to fracture shortly after Fubara assumed office. The cracks reportedly deepened over issues of control, governance decisions, and loyalty within the state’s power structure.
Despite presidential intervention and public calls for calm, tensions remain high, with political observers watching closely as the once-close allies continue to drift apart.
Bottom Line
Wike’s statements suggest he feels deeply betrayed and personally hurt by the actions of Governor Fubara, whom he still refers to as “a son.” However, with accusations of manipulation, political sabotage, and emotional betrayal in play, reconciliation appears increasingly difficult — if not impossible — for now.
