Wike: Fubara Is My ‘Boy,’ I Have No Battle With Him

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has stirred fresh controversy in the lingering political turmoil in Rivers State by referring to his estranged successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as “my boy.” In a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, Wike dismissed suggestions of a full-blown political war between him and Fubara, claiming he could not possibly engage in a power tussle with someone he mentored.

“That boy is my boy, my son. How can I fight a battle with him?” Wike stated. “The President called me to make peace; I said, ‘Boss, how will you tell me to make peace and I won’t?’” he added, signaling deference to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the crisis.

The rift between Wike and Fubara, which began as a disagreement over control of political structures in the state, quickly escalated into a major political crisis. Despite Wike’s attempt to downplay the situation, the fallout has plunged Rivers into instability, with serious national implications.

Tinubu’s State of Emergency Triggers Legal Fireworks

Following months of unresolved conflict between Wike and Fubara, President Bola Tinubu took the extraordinary step of declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. The decision included the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly, sparking widespread outrage and legal contestations.

To stabilize the state, Tinubu appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator for six months, effectively taking over the functions of elected state officials. This move was condemned by many political actors, with 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filing a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to challenge what they described as unconstitutional.

In response, the National Assembly urged the apex court to dismiss the suit, arguing it lacked merit and was procedurally flawed. The legislature further asked the court to award N1 billion in costs against the plaintiffs, labeling the action a “frivolous and speculative” attempt to reverse an emergency measure aimed at restoring order.

Fubara: “My Spirit Has Already Left There”

Amid the chaos, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed a growing sense of detachment from office, fueling speculation about his political future. During a service of songs in Port Harcourt for late elder statesman Edwin Clark, Fubara offered cryptic remarks that many interpreted as a resignation of the soul, if not of the office.

“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there,” he said, appearing weary of the drawn-out battle for political control. He also expressed concerns that the actions of some of his supporters, though well-meaning, had only served to escalate tensions in the state.

Fubara’s disillusionment reflects the depth of the crisis in Rivers, which has morphed from a personal disagreement into a matter of national security and democratic integrity. His statement raises questions about whether he is willing—or able—to continue governing under such hostile circumstances.

I Won’t Contest Against Tinubu in 2027 — Wike

In the same interview, Wike confirmed that he has no intention of contesting the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu, describing the idea as both illogical and ungrateful given his current alliance with the President. “I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I’m working with. Who would win, if not him?” he said.

Wike had previously contested the PDP presidential ticket in 2023, losing to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. His dissatisfaction with the PDP’s refusal to zone the presidency to the South contributed to the party’s internal crisis and lackluster performance in the general election.

Despite working closely with Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike insists he will not defect. He declared his continued loyalty to the PDP, although he sharply criticized the leadership, especially party figures who lack political clout yet continue to issue threats and make demands.

Wike Blasts PDP Leaders But Rejects Defection

Wike lashed out at certain opposition leaders for what he termed empty grandstanding, questioning their influence and credibility. “Let me ask you. Who is in the PDP? Achike Udenwa… does not have one National Assembly member… The former governor of Ebonyi State doesn’t have one assembly member. You didn’t produce a governor, you are issuing threats. What are you threatening? You are empty,” he said.

He further vowed not to abandon the PDP, despite the wave of defections sweeping the party. “I cannot do that kind of thing (defect). Am I a weak man? How will I build a house and you will come and frustrate me to leave? Who will leave? You will leave,” he declared.

Wike’s comments come at a time when the PDP is bleeding key members. Recent high-profile defections include Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, and several members of the State Assembly and executive council. Former Vice Presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa and senators from Kebbi State have also left the party for the APC, raising concerns about the PDP’s viability heading into 2027.