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| Wike and Fubara’s bond tested by crisis |
Nyesom Wike says his quarrel is not with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He calls Fubara his political son. He vows to fight only those trying to steal Rivers’ future.
In a BBC Pidgin interview on May 17, 2025, Wike said the dispute is over power brokers, not Fubara. He asked, “Why fight my son?” .
Wike rose as governor in 2015. He built a network across Rivers State. In 2023, he backed Fubara as his successor. Many saw Fubara as Wike’s protégé. They expected a smooth handover .
Tension grew as Wike resisted moves by some lawmakers. They sued to block Fubara’s appointments. Wike says these suits came from outsiders. He blames unnamed forces pushing Fubara into legal fights .
Wike claims those forces want to grab state resources. He says they’re now ashamed as their plots fail. “Defeat them to the final stage,” he urged his team .
Fubara and Wike once worked in harmony. Wike mentored Fubara through two Rivers administrations. He helped launch his career in law and business. In 2023, Fubara won the governorship with Wike’s support. The duo spoke of unity and continuity.
By late 2023, cracks appeared. Pro-Wike lawmakers resisted Fubara’s nominees. They filed suits in court. Wike slammed the move as “political thuggery.” He urged Fubara to stay firm. Fubara said he respected Wike but must lead his own government .
The standoff sparked unrest in Port Harcourt. Supporters of both sides clashed at town hall meetings. One meeting turned violent on May 16, 2025. Police intervened to restore order .
Wike downplays any feud with Fubara. He calls him “my boy” and “my son.” He says he fights only those who stole donors’ work. He told the BBC:
> “That one is not a battle. He is my son. Why will I fight him?” <.
He warned outsiders to stop meddling. He praised Fubara’s early reforms. He said Fubara’s team must not yield to bad advisors.
Fubara thanked Wike for his remarks. He said he believes in peace talks. Sources say Fubara seeks a meeting with Wike soon. He hopes to end court battles. He wants to focus on projects for Rivers .
Insiders say both men share respect. They urge top PDP leaders to mediate. Some say Vice President Shettima may help.
Political analyst Ada Obi says the split shows fault lines in Rivers PDP. She warns it may hurt the party’s unity before 2027 elections. She urges calm and dialogue.
Law expert Chidi Ume says the courts must free state governance. He calls for swift rulings on pending suits.
Civil society groups urge both sides to avoid stalling development. They say Rivers needs steady leadership to tackle security, jobs, and health.
A state PDP meeting is set for late May 2025. Party leaders will seek peace terms. Fubara and Wike may both attend.
Meanwhile, key bills await the governor’s assent. Some fear delays if the rift deepens.
On the ground, residents hope for unity. Traders ask for swift action on flood relief. Farmers seek support for planting season. All eyes now watch if Wike’s words will heal the divide.