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RIVERS, Nigeria - The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is still his political protégé and that he has never had a conflict with him.
Wike made this remark during an interview with BBC Pidgin, published on Saturday, where he addressed the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State.
The former governor clarified that he has no personal grievances with Fubara but is instead opposing those he believes are manipulating the governor for their own gain.
“That is not a conflict. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son; why would I fight him?” Wike expressed.
“I’m only opposing individuals who seek to take what they haven't earned.
“If you don’t defeat them, they will believe you… You must defeat them completely.
“Now, they are embarrassed because they are being beaten. They are the ones encouraging Fubara,” he continued.
Wike and Fubara have been in disagreement since 2023, a situation that has led to an extended political crisis in the state.
The tension escalated earlier this year when President Bola Tinubu implemented a state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in Fubara’s suspension in March.
Reports indicate that Fubara has since expressed remorse to Wike. The minister also mentioned last week that the troubled governor had come to visit him at his home, accompanied by two APC governors, in an attempt to achieve reconciliation.
