Rivers crisis: Far from over as Fubara, Wike rivalry continues

By Henry Okonkwo

The political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, may not have reached its conclusion. This is because, in public, both camps appear to have sheathed their swords as displays of hostility have ceased. However, beneath the uneasy calm, the strife and fierce battle for control of the oil-rich state’s political machinery continue to simmer.

It was gathered that although Wike and Fubara smile and shake hands in public, their camps have continued to plot and cook up intrigue to out-stage each other.

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Recall that the feud between the former governor and current Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike, and Governor Fubara sparked late last year and dominated the headlines. The political dogfight led to moves to impeach Fubara, the defection of 27 PDP members of the State legislature from PDP to APC and the consequent declaration of their seats vacant by a factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly loyal to Fubara, the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex and fears that the conflict is increasingly assuming an ethnic dimension.

President Bola Tinubu later mediated the conflict which seemingly doused the tension. However, political watchers describe the relative calmness to the peace of the graveyard, insisting that the Fubara/Wike face-off is far from being settled. They reveal that raw animosity has continued to seethe among them, with both trying to undermine each other.

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According to authoritative sources close to both camps, the seething rivalry is tipping in favour of Gov. Fubara, as he is getting closer and having a chummier relationship with the President, a development that has miffed the Wiki camp.

Amid the lingering feud, it was reliably gathered that the Governor was in Paris to meet with President Tinubu during his two-week stay in France. The governor’s visit was said to have been facilitated by some of President Tinubu’s media aides. But the issues that were discussed at the meeting were not disclosed.

On the other hand, after learning about the Fubara/Tinubu meeting, Wike was said to be infuriated that the President hosted Fubara without his knowledge. The FCT Minister was said to have been angry and uncomfortable that Tinubu hosted his political godson, who is undermining his influence in Rivers State.

Hence, Gov Fubara’ reported meeting with the President somewhat affirms his authority in Rivers State, which further solidifies and secures his administration’s control over the politics of the region.

Efforts to confirm and inquire about what happened during President Tinubu’s meeting with Governor Fubara were futile, as the State Governor’s aide acknowledged but did not respond to messages sent to their official social media accounts.