Wike: I’m not fighting Fubara — he’s my boy

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has rejected reports of a lingering political feud with Siminalayi Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Wike said his battle was not with Fubara, but with “dishonest and manipulative politicians” pushing the governor against him.

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy; he is my son; why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for,” he said.

“When you don’t defeat them; they will think you… so, defeat them to the end. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

Wike and Fubara have been locked in a rift since 2023, over control of the political structure of the state, a development that plunged Rivers into a protracted crisis.

The crisis led President Bola Tinubu to suspend Fubara for six months after declaring emergency rule in the state.

The president subsequently appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as sole administrator for Rivers.

After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

PRESIDENTIAL RACE

During the chat, Wike also denied reports that he was eyeing the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

There has been speculation that the former Rivers governor was nursing a presidential ambition — in the event that the PDP zones its ticket to southern Nigeria.

However, Wike said he would not be running against Tinubu, whom he described as his leader.

“I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” he said.

Asked whether he believed Tinubu would win re-election in 2027, Wike said there was “absolutely no one” in the opposition strong enough to challenge the president.

“They said they will zone it to the south; let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it,” he said.

On Monday, Wike confirmed media reports that Fubara paid him a reconciliatory visit.

“Yes, he (Fubara) came with two governors and another person, but unfortunately, the two of them are APC governors. I wouldn’t pursue him. He said he wants peace, and I said I want peace too,” the minister said during a media chat.