Senate President Godswill Akpabio took a jibe at Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a public lecture and book launch to mark the birthday of Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, held in Port Harcourt, was organized to honor Wike and themed “Pragmatic Strides of a Visionary Leader and Contemporary Issues of Society.” It attracted a large crowd of supporters, friends, and associates from across the country.
Akpabio, as the Special Guest of Honour, used the occasion to criticize Governor Fubara’s handling of Rivers State’s ongoing political crisis, particularly his strained relationship with the state legislature. The Senate President drew from his own experience as governor of Akwa Ibom State, stressing the importance of a strong relationship with the legislature for effective governance.
He remarked humorously, “For those who may not understand politics, we were taught that the parliament can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman,” which drew laughter from the audience. He continued, “As a governor, my greatest fear was my House of Assembly. That’s why I always worked closely with my Speaker.”
Akpabio then turned his attention to Fubara’s failure to win over key lawmakers in the state, suggesting a flaw in the governor’s political strategy. He commented, “The only way to stop politics of betrayal and treachery is through sustainable governance.”
The Senate President lamented the lack of political unity, which he claimed hindered progress and succession planning in the state. Despite the criticisms aimed at Fubara, Akpabio took time to commend Wike’s contributions to governance, particularly in the area of infrastructure.
He described Wike as a “miracle worker,” crediting him for the impressive transformation of Abuja. Akpabio further praised Wike’s dedication and his ability to reconcile quickly, even after major disagreements. “No one in their right senses would sustain a quarrel with Wike,” he said, underlining the minister’s forgiving nature.
Akpabio expressed admiration for Wike’s work, stating, “Your contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape, both as governor and now as minister, are indelible. The bridges you’ve built stand as a testament to your commitment to progress and unity.”
In contrast, the PDP, which was represented at the event by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, voiced their support for Wike. Arapaja hailed the former governor as one of the party’s most loyal leaders. “We stand by you, our leader. You are a man of equity, justice, and fairness,” he said.
However, Arapaja did not shy away from challenging Akpabio’s criticisms of the PDP, pointing out that Akpabio’s political roots were firmly planted in the party before his switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike, for his part, dismissed the criticisms leveled against him, focusing on his commitment to delivering results for the people of Nigeria. “The only way to silence critics is to show them your performance,” Wike stated confidently. He emphasized that his priority is to continue achieving results for the public while maintaining strong support from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The event also featured guest lecturer Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who addressed Nigeria’s pressing challenges, such as insecurity, unemployment, and corruption. He stressed that tackling these issues would require focused leadership and better management of resources.
Chairman of the occasion, former NBA President OCJ Okocha, lauded Wike’s leadership, calling him a “superlative performer with a Midas touch.” Okocha commended Wike’s achievements and tireless dedication to improving Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
