Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly recognised Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike as the state’s common political leader, asking supporters to stop addressing him as their leader.
Fubara made the statement on Tuesday during the unveiling of candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, in what appears to signal a significant shift in the political relationship between the governor and his predecessor.
Addressing the gathering, the governor asked those who had referred to him as their leader during the political crisis between him and Wike to discontinue the practice.
“Those that called me my leader during the crises, please stop calling me my leader, we have a common leader now which is His Excellency Chief Nyesom Wike,” Fubara said.
The remarks come against the background of the prolonged political disagreement between Fubara and Wike, which triggered tensions within the Rivers State political structure and drew national attention.
Wike, who served as Rivers governor before Fubara succeeded him in 2023, later became Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Their political differences have been a major issue in the state, with disputes involving the legislature and the control of political structures.
Fubara’s latest declaration places Wike at the centre of the state’s political leadership, although the governor did not provide further details in the quoted remarks about the implications for their respective political supporters or future political arrangements.
The unveiling of the Rainbow Coalition candidates also comes as political groups prepare for future electoral contests, making alignments among influential figures in Rivers State a subject of continued interest.
The governor’s statement is likely to attract further reactions from political stakeholders and supporters, given the history of the disagreement between the two men.
