The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara made a major political error by attempting to establish an independent political structure shortly after assuming office, rather than consolidating the structure that brought him to power.
Wike made the remarks during a media chat held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, August 1, where he reflected extensively on the political crisis that has strained his relationship with the Rivers State governor since 2023.
The former governor, who served as Rivers State chief executive from 2015 to 2023, played a central role in Fubara’s emergence as governor. Fubara was widely regarded as Wike’s political protégé before the relationship deteriorated into a prolonged and bitter power struggle that polarised the state’s political landscape.
The crisis, which dominated political developments in Rivers State for several months, led to open confrontations between supporters of both men and triggered significant instability within the state’s political institutions.
At the height of the dispute, lawmakers believed to be loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, deepening tensions within the state. The conflict later eased after both camps reached a political truce aimed at restoring stability.
As part of the reconciliation process, Fubara eventually withdrew from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary after initially participating in the screening exercise alongside Kingsley Chinda, a politician widely regarded as an ally of Wike.
The governor subsequently endorsed Chinda as his preferred successor, explaining that the decision was taken in the interest of peace, unity and political stability in Rivers State.
Speaking during the media interaction, Wike said he had expected Fubara to build on the political and administrative foundation established by his administration so that Rivers State could continue competing with states such as Lagos in infrastructure and development.
According to him, his expectation was that the governor would consolidate existing structures rather than attempt to govern independently of those who supported his emergence.
Wike argued that Fubara failed to appreciate the importance of sustaining political alliances and strengthening the structure that facilitated his election.
Reflecting on the early months of the administration, the FCT minister said he quickly noticed signs that the governor was trying to distance himself politically from the existing structure.
“He tried to set up his own structure as against the structure that built him,” Wike said.
“It did not take up to 100 days; we saw it. We said something must be fundamentally wrong. In politics, you have to be very careful.”
Wike said the development surprised many political stakeholders who had worked for Fubara’s emergence, adding that concerns were raised internally about the direction the administration was taking.
The former governor also said that one of the problems confronting Fubara was his inability to distinguish between political advice intended to strengthen his administration and counsel that could ultimately weaken it.
“In this game, you have schoolmates, village relations and all kinds of people,” Wike said.
“There are those who mean well for you, and there are those who do not mean well for you.”
According to him, some individuals around the governor allegedly encouraged him to seek personal political recognition by reducing the visibility of those who had supported him.
He claimed such advice contributed significantly to the breakdown of trust between both camps.
“Someone tells you, ‘Yes, he supported you, but must everything be in his name? Why not put yourself forward and let people know it came through you?’” Wike said.
“He made the mistake of believing that he could do it alone. He began to think that those who gave him support were no longer important.”
Wike maintained that politics is built on relationships, loyalty and continuity, and warned that leaders who abandon their support base too quickly often create unnecessary instability around their administrations.
The minister insisted that his criticism of Fubara was not personal but rooted in what he described as political experience acquired over many years in public office.
He argued that successful political leadership requires patience, consultation and gradual consolidation rather than abrupt efforts to create a new power base.
According to him, Fubara’s early attempt to establish a separate structure sent signals that he was no longer willing to work with the political network that secured his election victory.
Wike said this perception was what ultimately triggered suspicion, resistance and confrontation among key political actors in the state.
Although relations between both men have improved following the recent reconciliation efforts, Wike acknowledged that the crisis had already caused significant political divisions within Rivers State.
He, however, expressed hope that the peace process would be sustained and that political actors in the state would place stability above personal ambitions.
Political observers say Wike’s latest comments provide fresh insight into the origins of the conflict and underscore the continuing influence he wields in Rivers politics despite leaving office as governor.
The remarks have also renewed debate about political godfatherism, loyalty and succession politics in Nigeria, particularly in states where outgoing governors play decisive roles in choosing their successors.
As preparations for future political contests gradually gather momentum, analysts believe the relationship between Wike and Fubara will remain a key factor shaping the political direction of Rivers State in the coming years.
