Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans to establish a probe panel to investigate previous administrations, including the immediate past government of Nyesom Wike. This move comes amid an ongoing feud between Fubara and his predecessor, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over the political structures of the state.
In a recent address, Fubara stated that he is the only governor in Nigeria who can be publicly disparaged by a local government chairman without consequence. This remark was in reference to a viral video featuring Samuel Nwanosike, the chairperson of Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) and an ally of the FCT Minister, who described Fubara as a “foolish and naive governor” in January.
Fubara also responded to a comment made by his former Commissioner for Works, Alabo George-Kelly, who implied that Fubara’s political rise was solely due to Wike’s patronage. The governor pointed out that, having been a Level 13 Chief Accountant in 2010, he would have naturally risen through the civil service ranks by 2023, had he not been appointed as his successor by Wike.
Furthermore, Fubara addressed the FCT Minister’s recent apology for choosing him as his successor, stating that even if it was a mistake, he is now the governor by the grace of God, and encouraged them to continue making mistakes.
This ongoing political rivalry between Fubara and Wike has led to a series of public exchanges and political tensions in Rivers State, with both sides trading insults and accusations. The probe panel announcement is likely to further escalate the situation, as it aims to investigate the previous administrations, including Wike’s tenure.
