Wike Shifts Stance on Rivers Crisis, Calls Fubara “My Son” Amid Political Turmoil

FCT Minister Denies Personal Conflict with Suspended Governor

By Abiola Olawale

In a dramatic reversal, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has softened his position on the Rivers State political crisis, referring to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara as “my son” while denying any personal conflict between them.

Wike Clarifies Position in BBC Interview

The former Rivers State governor made these surprising remarks during an interview with BBC Pidgin on Saturday, marking a significant shift in his public stance regarding the ongoing political crisis that has paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state.

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him?” Wike stated, while maintaining his grievances against Fubara’s associates whom he blames for the political impasse.

Minister Points Finger at Governor’s Associates

Wike specifically targeted those close to the suspended governor, accusing them of instigating the crisis: “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for… They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

The minister’s comments come after months of escalating tension that led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. This presidential intervention resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Roots of the Political Crisis

Political analysts have traced the crisis to a power struggle between Wike and his successor, marked by allegations of betrayal, constitutional violations, and impeachment attempts. The conflict has significantly disrupted governance in Nigeria’s oil-producing heartland.

Wike’s latest remarks suggest a potential de-escalation in rhetoric, though the underlying political tensions remain unresolved as Rivers State continues to navigate this unprecedented constitutional crisis.

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