News

Wike Opens Up on Inability to Resolve Rift with Fubara Amid Rivers Crisis

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 20th, 2025.

Wike Opens Up on Inability to Resolve Rift with Fubara Amid Rivers Crisis

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has expressed doubts about reconciling his differences with Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, following their ongoing feud.

In a recent press briefing held in Abuja, Wike criticized Governor Fubara and his allies for disregarding President Bola Tinubu’s directives that were issued during a peace meeting aimed at resolving the crisis. According to Wike, Fubara and his camp should have returned to the president to explain their failure to carry out the full set of instructions.

The long-standing dispute between Wike and Fubara began after the latter assumed office as governor, with both leaders vying for control over the state’s political and structural assets. The rift has led to significant political fallout, including defections within the state House of Assembly, where 27 members joined the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). This division has also sparked the creation of rival factions and parallel speakers within the assembly.

Reflecting on the situation, Wike remarked:

“I don’t understand what conflict needs to be resolved. The President, in his wisdom, called for a peace meeting, made several recommendations, and asked that the impeachment notice be withdrawn and specific actions be taken. Yet, after following some directives, nothing was done regarding others. There was no attempt to return to the president and explain why some steps couldn’t be taken. It’s unheard of for a party to go back to the president and claim it’s a political issue.”

Wike’s comments underscore the deepening divide within the state and the challenges in achieving a resolution despite efforts from national leadership.