Obey Wike, Implement Supreme Court Ruling Within Shortest Possible Time, Tinubu Tells Rivers Governor Fubara Amid Rift With Wike
In the volatile political terrain of Rivers State, a major dispute has erupted between Siminalayi Fubara, the newly elected Governor, and Nyesom Wike, the former Governor who is still regarded as the undisputed political force in the state. Wike’s influence over Rivers politics has remained strong, even though he now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Despite working within the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike remains a key figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers. His control over the state’s political landscape has given him the moniker of a “kingmaker,” someone who can elevate or dismantle political careers. Wike’s backing of Fubara during the 2023 governorship election was instrumental in the latter’s victory. Now, with a rift developing between the two, President Tinubu has stepped in, urging Fubara to comply with the Supreme Court ruling and swiftly implement reforms, highlighting the importance of governance stability and the rule of law amidst political tensions.
While Nyesom Wike may no longer be the Governor of Rivers State, his position as the leader of the PDP in the state remains unshaken. As a formidable force within the state’s political machinery, Wike continues to have a significant influence on both state and national politics. Wike is not just a former governor; he is a powerbroker, widely regarded as the “kingmaker” of Rivers State politics. His ability to maneuver and maintain control over the PDP, despite national shifts in political allegiances, speaks to his dominance in the region.
Wike’s political reign is built on a combination of effective governance, a network of loyal supporters, and a reputation for being unapologetically tough on his rivals. He has successfully cultivated alliances with various political figures, and this strategic positioning has given him leverage even within the APC-led federal government. However, his influence does not come without challenges, especially as the political landscape in Rivers State begins to shift under Fubara’s administration.
Wike’s stature within the PDP is undeniable. His public and private actions during the 2023 election, including his outright refusal to support Atiku Abubakar—the PDP’s presidential candidate—were indicative of his ability to shape the political direction of the party in Rivers and beyond. His refusal to toe the party line on national issues like Atiku’s presidential bid, and his subsequent open support for Bola Tinubu, solidified his status as a man who prioritizes personal political calculations above party loyalty.
Siminalayi Fubara, the current governor, owes his rise to power largely to the patronage and backing of Nyesom Wike. During the 2023 gubernatorial elections, Wike played a decisive role in Fubara’s success, backing him as his preferred candidate for the governorship of Rivers State. It was Wike’s vast political network, coupled with his ability to rally support within the PDP and beyond, that secured Fubara’s victory.
However, Fubara’s path to the governorship was not solely defined by his own ambitions or political strategies. His election was deeply tied to Wike’s political maneuvering. Fubara, while seen as a potential successor to Wike due to his position as the state’s finance commissioner during Wike’s tenure, lacked the political capital to secure the governorship on his own. Without Wike’s endorsement and political machinery, Fubara’s victory in Rivers would have been a long shot.
This relationship between Wike and Fubara has a father-son dynamic at its core. Just as a son respects the authority and wisdom of a father, Fubara’s political survival and success in the state are closely tied to his relationship with Wike. Wike’s “kingmaker” role did not stop at Fubara’s election but continued throughout his tenure as governor. For Fubara, it is clear that while he holds the official title of governor, his allegiance to Wike remains central to his political identity.
Since Fubara took office, a political rift has begun to emerge between the two. As governor, Fubara is expected to lead Rivers State in his own right, implementing policies that reflect his vision for the state’s future. However, the shadow of Wike’s influence continues to loom large over his administration.
While it is natural for Fubara to seek independence from Wike’s control, he faces significant challenges in doing so. Wike’s loyalists still dominate key positions within the state’s political structure, and his legacy as a formidable force in Rivers politics cannot be easily ignored. Many within the PDP and political elite in Rivers view Fubara’s rise as a continuation of Wike’s political project, and it is expected that Fubara will continue to follow in Wike’s footsteps to a certain extent.
Fubara, as the new governor, is in a delicate position. On one hand, he must assert his authority and show that he is capable of governing Rivers State on his own terms. On the other hand, he is fully aware that his political success is inextricably linked to Wike’s patronage and that alienating his political father could have dire consequences for his leadership. Therefore, Fubara faces a constant balancing act between asserting his independence and respecting the political structures that brought him to power.
The Supreme Court’s ruling concerning governance and political reforms in Rivers State adds a layer of complexity to the already tense political landscape. The ruling pertains to certain issues of governance that require immediate attention, including changes to how resources are managed, the allocation of state funds, and the implementation of constitutional reforms. The ruling presents a legal imperative that cannot be ignored.
In light of these developments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened, urging Governor Fubara to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision within the shortest possible time. This intervention from the federal government underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law, even in the midst of political infighting. Tinubu’s message is clear: governance must not be shaped by individual political interests or allegiances but by the constitution and the law.
For Fubara, this is a test of leadership. While he must act on the Supreme Court’s directive, he must also tread carefully when it comes to his relationship with Wike. The ruling may require him to make decisions that are not necessarily aligned with Wike’s political preferences. This creates a difficult political conundrum for Fubara, as any move that appears to disregard Wike’s wishes could alienate key supporters and lead to further instability in the state.
Wike’s political maneuvering is often characterized by his ability to operate on both sides of the political spectrum. Despite his allegiance to the PDP in Rivers, Wike made a significant break with the party during the 2023 presidential elections. Instead of supporting his party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Wike threw his weight behind Bola Tinubu, the APC’s candidate. This decision shocked many within the PDP and caused significant divisions within the party.
Yet, even with his support for Tinubu, Wike has maintained his control over the PDP in Rivers State. His role in the APC government has allowed him to exert influence at the federal level, giving him leverage that goes beyond the boundaries of his home state. His ability to balance his loyalty to the APC while maintaining dominance over the PDP in Rivers State makes him a unique and complex political figure.
Wike’s continued involvement in national politics, particularly his support for the APC, does not mean that he has abandoned his role as the leader of the PDP in Rivers. He continues to pull the strings from behind the scenes, using his influence to shape the direction of governance in Rivers while simultaneously working within the APC framework at the national level. This dual role allows Wike to retain power and relevance, regardless of the shifting national political tides.
For Governor Fubara, the challenge now lies in finding a balance between asserting his independence as the governor and maintaining loyalty to Wike, his political father. On one hand, he must demonstrate leadership by upholding the Supreme Court’s ruling and ensuring the implementation of legal reforms. On the other hand, he cannot afford to alienate Wike, who remains an influential figure in Rivers politics.
Fubara’s political survival depends on his ability to navigate the complex dynamics between national politics, legal obligations, and party loyalty. As the political father of Fubara, Wike’s opinion remains significant, and his influence still shapes the state’s political landscape. Therefore, Fubara must find a way to manage his obligations to the law and his duty to the people of Rivers while respecting the political structures that brought him into power.
The political drama in Rivers State is far from over, and the relationship between Governor Fubara and former Governor Wike remains a key factor in shaping the future of the state. Wike’s influence as a political kingmaker continues to dominate the state, even as he navigates the waters of federal politics with the APC. For Fubara, the challenge is clear: he must respect Wike’s legacy and political guidance, but he must also govern Rivers State in a way that fulfills the promises made to the people of the state.
The Supreme Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of the rule of law in the face of political instability. President Tinubu’s call for Fubara to act swiftly is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring that legal directives are followed, regardless of political considerations.
As Fubara moves forward in his governance, the ability to balance legal responsibilities with political loyalty will define his leadership. How he handles the delicate relationship with Wike and implements the Supreme Court’s ruling will shape the future of Rivers State and set a precedent for governance in Nigeria. Whether Fubara can break free from the shadows of his political father while maintaining stability in the state remains to be seen.
