ABUJA – Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, denied any feud with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This Wike Fubara crisis denial comes amid high political tension in Rivers. Wike spoke in Abuja Monday.
“I don’t have any crisis with him (Fubara),” Wike said. He stated he is not responsible for the state’s chaos. “I’m not the President who declared a State of Emergency,” Wike stressed, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s emergency powers declaration in Rivers due to political instability. Wike said if consulted, he would have advised against it: “If Mr President had called me, I wouldn’t have agreed to the State of Emergency.”
Manipulation Alleged in Rivers Crisis
Wike alleged Governor Fubara let political foes use him to undermine Wike’s influence. “The governor, unknown to me, gave himself to be the tool for those who couldn’t fight me to fight me,” he stated. Wike, a former Rivers Governor and PDP figure, blamed “undertakers” for the party crisis. “I made it clear that this impunity will not stand… I see no reason why you will put yourself under that kind of crisis,” he added, offering his view on the Wike Fubara crisis.
Impeachment Attempt, Emergency Rule: The Rivers Crisis Background
The Rivers crisis worsened after an attempted impeachment of Governor Fubara by Wike-loyal lawmakers. This sparked violent protests and security concerns. The rift, from disputes over control and allegiance, caused fears of governance paralysis.
President Tinubu’s emergency declaration, rare for a PDP state under an APC federal government, was defended by allies as necessary for stability. Wike countered, “The declaration of state of emergency was to save the governor because he was almost impeached.” This suggests the move protected Fubara, a different take on the Rivers crisis.
By Abdullah Korede
