The feud between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara feels like a story from a children’s book. This crisis is believed to have begun over control of political power in the state. Wike, who had been governor, refusing to loosen his grip on the state’s affairs, has been described by an elder statesman in Elelenwo Community, Charles Wobo, as laughable and childish. Even though the conflict is as old as Fubara’s tenure, it shows no signs of ending soon, as Governor Fubara is eager to establish himself, thereby resisting Wike’s attempts to overshadow his administration.
Elder Wobo expressed sadness over what is happening. He said this whole crisis goes to show how the Rivers State government has become a stage where pride and power struggles play out in the open, adding that the effects of their rift are clear, with Rivers State becoming a playground for political games and decisions that should benefit the people being delayed. He, however, advised the FCT Minister to focus on his job and allow Governor Fubara to concentrate and develop the state he claims to love.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, recently expressed doubt over the possibility of a truce in the state this year, blaming Governor Siminalayi Fubara for failing to extend the olive branch during ex-Governor Nyesom Wike’s recent birthday. In an interview on Arise Television, Okocha argued that the altercation between the two political figures will not come to an end soon, insisting that Fubara missed an opportunity to mend fences with Wike during the festive season.
APC chieftain, Tony Okocha
“The governor of Rivers State and his immediate benefactor should not be enemies. Even if they were, the festive season was a time to exchange convivialities and goodwill. The governor who is suing for peace can just drive to the minister’s house or anybody else’s to say, ‘I come to celebrate with you on Christmas Day.’ I am sure nobody will chase the governor away if he visits his home. But instead of doing that, he’s threatening brimstone and fire. I don’t see peace. I don’t see peace anytime soon because the governor holds the key,” he predicted.
Another elder statesman in Rumuolumeni Community, Ejims Opusunju, in an interview with our reporter, called on both parties to make peace for the good of the people and for the development of the state. He said as this power struggle continues, one can’t help but question the priorities of these leaders.
“Will Rivers State, rich in oil and potential, continue to struggle under the weight of the egos of its leaders? What kind of future can its people expect when their leaders are more focused on winning personal battles than addressing their concerns?”
Elder Opusunju stressed the need for them to resolve their issue and let peace reign so that the crisis doesn’t give intending politicians a front-row seat to a show on how power corrupts. Adding that their inability to reconcile only harms the state they claim to love, he, however, advised them not to see themselves as political messiahs, but as instruments meant to work together in order to take Rivers State to greater heights, thereby putting an end to this bitter war.
