Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has downplayed rumors of a personal rift with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, referring to him as his “son” and insisting there is no direct conflict between them.
In a BBC Pidgin interview published on Saturday, Wike dismissed claims of a feud, asserting that his actual opposition lies with individuals he accuses of manipulating Fubara for selfish interests.
“That one is not a battle,” Wike said. “He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son. Why will I fight with him?”
The former Rivers State governor emphasized that his actions are targeted at those trying to benefit unduly from the system.
“I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for,” he added. “When you don’t defeat them, they will think they are in charge. Defeat them to the final stage. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”
Speaking to select journalists in Abuja on Monday, Wike said Fubara had initiated steps towards reconciliation, noting that President Bola Tinubu has consistently called for peace in the state.
“The President has called for peace severally and I cannot sit down when the President has called for peace and I say, ‘I don’t want peace,’” he stated.
“Yes, he came with two governors and one elder person. Unfortunately, the two governors are APC governors. So, I will not pursue him. He said he wants peace. That’s fine. I also want peace.”
What you should know
Nyesom Wike served as Governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023 and was instrumental in Siminalayi Fubara’s emergence as his successor.
Their current political tension has drawn national attention, reflecting broader issues of party loyalty, influence, and governance dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape.
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