That one is not a battle. 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
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly reaffirmed his personal and political relationship with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, describing him as his “political son” despite the escalating tensions and prolonged political crisis between the two.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin published on Saturday, Wike firmly rejected the notion that he was engaged in a personal feud with Fubara. According to him, the conflict in Rivers State is not a direct confrontation between himself and the governor, but rather a result of external influences and political elements whom he accuses of manipulating the situation for their own selfish interests.
“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” Wike asked rhetorically during the interview. He emphasized that his main concern lies not with Fubara himself, but with those he believes are attempting to take advantage of the political climate to gain power and influence illegitimately. “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for,” he added.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State and a powerful figure within the ruling political establishment, went on to describe the ongoing situation as a battle of principles, asserting that he was determined to resist those he considers opportunists. “When you don’t defeat them, they will think you are weak… Defeat them to the final stage,” he said, adding that his opponents are now “ashamed because they are being defeated.”
The political standoff between Wike and Fubara dates back to 2023, shortly after Fubara assumed office as Governor of Rivers State. Their once close relationship, which many assumed would translate into political harmony and continuity in governance, quickly deteriorated, leading to a drawn-out crisis that has destabilized the South South state. The rift has been marked by accusations, counter-accusations, legislative conflicts, and political maneuvering involving state and federal actors.
In recent developments, Fubara was reportedly suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State — a move widely seen as a response to the intensifying unrest and governance paralysis in the state. There have also been unconfirmed reports that Governor Fubara has extended an olive branch, allegedly offering apologies to Wike in a bid to de-escalate the crisis.
Despite these tensions, Wike’s recent remarks may be interpreted as an attempt to soften the rhetoric or perhaps to reposition himself as a senior figure seeking resolution rather than division.
By calling Fubara his “son,” Wike implies a continued sense of political authority and mentorship, although critics may view such a statement as paternalistic or dismissive of Fubara’s position as a sitting governor.
The crisis in Rivers State continues to be a significant source of concern within Nigerian political circles, as the instability threatens to impact not just governance in the region but also broader party dynamics and federal-state relations.