The ongoing political turmoil between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, shows no sign of abating. In an explosive revelation during a live media chat broadcast on Sunday, Wike categorically ruled out the possibility of reconciliation with Fubara, accusing him of undermining efforts to resolve their deepening differences.
Wike’s declaration came in the wake of a failed peace initiative called by President Bola Tinubu. The initiative was intended to end the political discord between the two leaders, but Wike blasted Fubara for disregarding the president’s directives. The crisis, which has worsened since Fubara took office, has seen an exodus of members from the Rivers State House of Assembly, with 27 lawmakers defecting to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a heated exchange, Wike recalled the peace talks led by President Tinubu and expressed disbelief over Fubara’s actions. “The president called all parties, gave instructions, but Fubara and his people never bothered to return to him with updates. It’s unfathomable!” Wike exclaimed. “The Assembly withdrew the impeachment notice, but then Fubara sent his people to court. There’s no effort to honor the commitments we made.”
This marked a bitter escalation in the political standoff between Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, and the newly elected Fubara. Wike has repeatedly accused Fubara of neglecting his duties and of being incapable of handling the complexities of leadership in the oil-rich state. Their bitter feud, largely rooted in power struggles and factionalism, has placed a strain on governance in Rivers State, further complicating the state’s political landscape.
Speaking on the current state of affairs, Wike criticized Fubara for his failure to address key issues, particularly the stability of the Rivers State House of Assembly. “It’s a tragedy for any leader not to be able to manage their own Assembly. Fubara is a governor, but it seems like he’s lost control of the legislature,” Wike remarked, a clear reference to the factional assembly created by the defections to the APC.
Fubara’s inability to resolve the political tension within the Assembly has resulted in a split government, with two factions vying for legitimacy. “It’s like two governments are running the state at the same time,” Wike added, warning that this could have dire consequences for governance and development in Rivers State.
Beyond the Assembly, Wike also took aim at Fubara’s approach to human capital development and economic growth in the state. Wike, who made significant investments in infrastructure during his tenure as governor, defended his strategy of focusing on physical infrastructure to drive economic growth. “Infrastructure is the key to economic development,” he asserted. “It creates jobs and opportunities that transcend the limitations of government employment.”
Wike pointed to the ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly in Kwali and surrounding areas, as evidence of the tangible benefits of his infrastructure-focused agenda. “These aren’t government positions. We’re talking about real opportunities for real people,” Wike said, revealing that over 200 people are currently employed in the projects. “When we focus on building roads and other infrastructure, we create opportunities for contractors, workers, and other sectors to thrive.”
The minister also addressed concerns over the lack of streetlights on newly completed roads, explaining that the initial plans had not included street lighting. However, he assured the public that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) was already addressing the issue. “We are working to ensure that places like Kuje and Kwali will have streetlights installed, and the roads that were flagged off in November and December will have their streetlights up by May or June,” Wike revealed.
However, the most striking comments from Wike were his comments regarding the Federal Capital Territory’s land regulations. Wike issued a stern warning to both officials and landowners in Abuja, stressing the need for adherence to land payment obligations. He disclosed that the federal government is currently owed N300 billion in Right of Occupancy (R of O) fees, a sum he says is significantly delaying much-needed infrastructure development in the capital.
“Land has been allocated, but people haven’t paid their fees for 15 to 16 years. This is madness,” Wike said. He also expressed frustration with the inefficiency of his officials in the FCT Administration. “When I find that you’re not willing to do your job, I will kick you out. I don’t care who you are,” Wike warned, adding that he had already removed two directors from office for underperforming.
Wike’s aggressive approach has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that his hardline stance on governance is necessary to move the capital forward. On the other hand, critics claim that Wike’s brash methods could alienate potential partners and complicate efforts to resolve the political tensions in Rivers State.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Wike remains firm in his commitment to both his infrastructure-driven agenda in the FCT and his resolve to stand firm against political adversaries, including Fubara. “I will not back down,” Wike asserted, signaling that he is ready for the political battles that lie ahead.
