By Abiola Olawale
In a surprising turn of events, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made a shocking reversal of his position on the ongoing Rivers State political crisis, describing suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “my son” and denying any personal conflict with him.
Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, made this known while speaking the BBC Pidgin on Saturday.
Clarifying his stance on the crisis that has paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state, Wike said he doesn’t have any problem with Fubara.
The Minister expressed his grievances regarding the individuals close to Fubara, asserting that they are responsible for the political crisis currently afflicting Rivers State.
He said: “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.
“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 FCT Minister’s remarks come amid months of tension that culminated in President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The crisis has been reported to be rooted in a power struggle between Wike and Fubara.
The crisis has seen accusations of betrayal, constitutional breaches, and attempts to impeach the governor.
