Wike Clarifies Stance on Rivers Crisis: “Fubara is My Son, Not My Enemy”

FCT Minister Points Finger at Political Opponents for Instigating Conflict

Amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has made a surprising revelation about his relationship with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Contrary to widespread reports of a bitter feud, Wike describes Fubara as his “political son” while blaming other politicians for the current crisis.

The Real Battle Lines

In an exclusive interview with BBC Pidgin Service, Wike dismissed suggestions that he’s engaged in direct conflict with Fubara. “That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son. Why will I fight with him?” the former Rivers governor stated emphatically.

Wike instead identified three specific political figures as the source of tension: “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. People like Celestine Omehia, Abiye Sekibo, and Austin Okpara, they want to hijack… I have defeated them before, and I will give them the final defeat.”

Presidential Intervention and Peace Talks

The FCT minister confirmed recent reconciliation efforts brokered by President Bola Tinubu. “He (Fubara) came with some governors to meet me. The president called me and asked us to make peace,” Wike revealed, adding that he remains open to genuine reconciliation.

Wike shared details of his message to Fubara during their meeting: “I told him that the yam and the knife are in his hands, so he knows where best to cut. If you want genuine peace, you can have it. If you want us to pretend, we can.”

Ongoing Political Chess Game

The minister maintained his position that the current unrest stems from political opponents trying to manipulate the governor. “Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara,” Wike asserted, suggesting the conflict has deeper roots than his relationship with the suspended governor.

Wike’s comments come at a critical juncture in Rivers State politics, where the power struggle has dominated headlines for months. His characterization of Fubara as a “son” rather than an adversary offers new perspective on the complex political dynamics at play.

For more details on this developing story, read the original report on Leadership News.