Wike Says He Wanted Fubara Removed, Not Suspended

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that his political camp sought the removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara rather than his suspension under the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

Wike made the revelation on Tuesday during his monthly media chat in Abuja while explaining the circumstances that led to the prolonged political crisis between him and his successor.

The former Rivers State governor said although both camps had at one point agreed to reconcile and move on from their differences, fresh political realities prompted his allies to reconsider their position.

According to him, members of his political family feared that allowing the situation to continue would diminish their political relevance in the state.

“There was a time we all agreed to let bygones be bygones, but something fundamental came up in politics.

“We all met and said if we allow this, there are those who want to see that we are no longer politically relevant,” he said.

Wike also alleged that certain external interests were seeking to take control of Rivers State for political and economic reasons, describing the oil-rich state as a valuable asset.

“There are external forces who want to hijack Rivers State. We should not allow them hijack Rivers State. They are those who see Rivers State as a cash cow,” he said.

The FCT minister maintained that the actions taken by his political allies were intended to preserve their influence and prevent what he described as attempts by outsiders to take over the state’s political structure.

His comments come against the backdrop of the protracted political rift between him and Fubara, who succeeded him as governor after the 2023 governorship election but later fell out with his political benefactor.

The dispute sparked a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, leading to divisions within the State House of Assembly and deepening tensions among supporters of both leaders.

Wike further clarified that while he wanted Fubara removed from office, that was different from the suspension that followed the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his preferred outcome was the governor’s outright removal through constitutional means.