I won’t be governor without Wike– Fubara
Rivers State Governor Credits Wike for Political Rise Amid Ongoing Dispute
RIVERS STATE, Nigeria — Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated that he would not have achieved his position without the support of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State. Fubara made the remarks during the New Telegraph Man of the Year Award ceremony on Friday, where he dedicated the award to Wike, despite their ongoing political rift.
Fubara emphasized Wike’s pivotal role in his political career, saying, “Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here as governor. He discovered me, and it’s a discovery that gave me this loudness.” He expressed gratitude for Wike’s initial support and reiterated his dedication of the award to the people of Rivers State, acknowledging their calm and maturity during turbulent times.
The relationship between Fubara and Wike has faced considerable strain following the 2023 governorship election. Initially seen as Wike’s political protégé, Fubara, who previously served as the state’s Accountant-General, emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate with Wike’s backing. However, their alliance deteriorated into a political crisis that significantly divided the Rivers State House of Assembly and sparked contentious battles over control of the state’s political landscape.
The situation drew national attention and was eventually resolved when President Bola Tinubu intervened, helping to reconcile the two factions and restoring a degree of stability to the region’s political atmosphere.
