The escalating political rift between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State appears irreparable, as Wike publicly slammed Fubara’s refusal to adhere to President Bola Tinubu’s directives during a peace meeting convened last year.
In a strongly worded statement at a media briefing in Abuja on Sunday, Wike made it clear that Fubara’s actions and those of his camp had effectively quashed any hopes of mending the rift that has severely divided Rivers State’s political landscape since Fubara’s assumption of office in 2023.
The disagreement between Wike and Fubara goes beyond personal animosity; it is rooted in a bitter power struggle over the control of the state’s resources and political apparatus. According to Wike, Fubara’s failure to follow through on critical decisions made at the presidential peace meeting has left no room for reconciliation.
“I’m wondering, what conflict to resolve?” Wike remarked during the briefing, visibly frustrated by the ongoing impasse. “Mr. President, in his wisdom, called all parties together. He said ‘withdraw the impeachment notice, do this, do that,’ but they never returned to him. It’s unbelievable that after all of this, they haven’t bothered to report back to the president.”
The origin of the dispute traces back to Fubara’s election as governor, with Wike accusing him of undermining his political dominance in the state. The governor’s camp has reportedly resisted Wike’s influence, leading to a split in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where 27 lawmakers defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) under Wike’s influence. This has further deepened the fracture in the state’s political landscape, resulting in the formation of parallel legislative bodies and factional leadership in the Assembly.
Wike, who served as Rivers State governor for two terms, was blunt about his expectations of Fubara’s role in the peace process. “The Assembly withdrew the impeachment notice, did one and two, but then sent people to court. Have you gone back to Mr. President to tell him we can’t do three and four? Nothing. Nothing at all,” Wike added, expressing his disbelief at the lack of communication from Fubara’s camp regarding the unfulfilled promises made during the peace talks.
The rivalry between Wike and Fubara has placed not just the two men at odds, but it has also polarized Rivers State’s political scene. Fubara’s camp, which has accused Wike of trying to maintain his grip on power even after his tenure, has called the peace talks and the subsequent directives politically motivated. According to some analysts, the ongoing conflict in Rivers is emblematic of the broader struggles within Nigerian politics, where control over resources and political patronage often trumps cooperation and unity.
Background of the Rift
The rift between the two politicians began to take shape after Fubara’s emergence as the candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, which Wike had governed for eight years. Wike, a former governor and now a key member of the federal cabinet, had hoped for a smoother transition, with Fubara maintaining the same political alignment. However, Fubara’s rise to power was marked by attempts to assert his independence from Wike’s long-standing dominance in the state.
One of the most significant outcomes of this rivalry has been the fracturing of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Wike’s supporters, including the 27 defecting lawmakers, have pushed for a change in leadership, while Fubara’s camp has fought to retain control. The situation has led to the establishment of a parallel assembly, further exacerbating the instability in the state’s political structure.
This political deadlock has spilled over into the public arena, with both sides accusing each other of sabotaging efforts to resolve the crisis. For Wike, the issue is a matter of principle—his unwavering belief that the President’s directives should have been followed to the letter. “For a president to call parties together and one party goes back and says it’s political, who does that?” Wike said, his tone sharp with frustration.
Fubara’s Response
Fubara’s camp has yet to provide an official response to Wike’s latest comments. However, sources close to the governor suggest that Fubara is determined to maintain his stance and has rejected any form of compromise with Wike. Fubara, they claim, views the ongoing conflict as a matter of political survival and is unwilling to cede control of the state to Wike’s influence.
The implications of the standoff are significant not just for Rivers State but for the broader Nigerian political landscape. The failure of the peace talks between Wike and Fubara raises questions about the effectiveness of presidential intervention in resolving intra-party and state-level conflicts.
Impacts on Rivers State
The tension between Wike and Fubara has had profound consequences for governance in Rivers State. The divided assembly has created a legislative vacuum, with two rival factions battling for control. The uncertainty surrounding the state’s leadership has affected the execution of key policies and initiatives, including those related to infrastructure, public services, and economic development.
Moreover, the standoff has left many residents of Rivers State wondering about the future of governance in the region. The protracted conflict has caused frustration among ordinary citizens, who have been caught in the crossfire of political infighting. With the state’s leadership embroiled in a battle for dominance, it is unclear when or how the crisis will be resolved.
Wike’s View on State Police and Security
In addition to his comments on the Rivers State crisis, Wike also touched on broader issues of governance and security in Nigeria. The minister voiced his concerns over the potential introduction of state police, warning that it could lead to the abuse of power by governors who may use the police force to victimize political opponents. He argued that the system in Nigeria is not yet mature enough to withstand the potential for manipulation and control by state leaders.
Wike’s stance on the matter reflects his belief in strengthening the country’s federal system, where the central government holds significant authority over state-level institutions to prevent the concentration of power at the state level.
