Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has declared that he will never support Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in his political career again.
Wike made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday. His declaration marks a significant break in their political relationship, which had been closely linked.
“I will never support Fubara in my political life again,” Wike stated firmly. “Anybody who knows me understands that this is not just about me. People labored hard to build a political structure.”
Wike explained that he had invested significant personal effort and resources to support Fubara’s rise to power. He emphasized the sacrifices he made, including engaging with influential groups like the Ogonis and other key stakeholders to ensure Fubara’s success.
“It’s painful to see how the support and sacrifices I made were met with false accusations,” Wike said. “I am accused of demanding N50 billion or N100 billion, but the truth is I simply helped to build a structure and expected it to be respected.”
The former governor of Rivers State expressed frustration over how Fubara’s administration has portrayed him. He said, “You turned it into lies and falsehoods. I brought you up and put you where you are today. Now, I am seen as overdemanding.”
Wike’s comments come in the wake of ongoing tensions between him and Fubara. Despite his strong words, Wike insisted that his rift with the governor is not hindering the development of Rivers State.
“What is causing the setback?” Wike questioned. “I’m not interfering with governance. I don’t want to be there. I had no crisis with anybody in the country as a governor. I survived it.”
He added that his decision to withdraw support does not reflect negatively on Rivers State’s progress. “If you don’t want to take a leadership position, you don’t want to. That’s the truth about it.”
Wike served as the Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023. His tenure was marked by significant infrastructure projects and political maneuvering that positioned him as a key player in the South-South region of Nigeria.
Fubara, Wike’s successor, took office as the Governor of Rivers State in May 2023. Fubara’s rise to power was closely associated with Wike’s political network, which had been instrumental in his election.
The political relationship between Wike and Fubara began to sour shortly after Fubara assumed office.
