“Fubara Is My Boy—In Fact, He’s My Son; I’m Not Fighting Him” – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that his ongoing political struggle in Rivers State is not with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, but with individuals he claims are manipulating the governor. In an interview with BBC Pidgin published Saturday, Wike described Fubara as his political “son” and denied any personal feud with him.

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” Wike said. “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. When you don’t defeat them, they will think you… Defeat them to the final stage. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

The minister’s comments come amid a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which began in 2023. The rift between Wike and Fubara has since escalated, drawing national attention. Recent reports indicate that Fubara, who was suspended by President Bola Tinubu following a state of emergency declaration in the state, may have offered an apology to Wike in an effort to de-escalate tensions.