Dare Babalola
The political rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, resurfaced on Wednesday as Wike accused the governor of neglecting governance duties while allegedly prioritising his second-term ambition.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Wike criticised Fubara for what he described as a “misplaced focus,” alleging that the governor had yet to present the state’s budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly despite being in office.
According to the FCT minister, the delay in the budget presentation was affecting governance and the delivery of critical services in the state.
“The governor is yet to submit his budget to the House of Assembly but he is busy running for second term ambition,” Wike said, taking a swipe at his successor.
Wike further argued that rather than concentrating on governance, Fubara had shifted attention to political activities, warning that such an approach could stall administrative progress in the state.
The remarks add a fresh layer to the already strained relationship between both politicians, whose fallout has dominated Rivers State politics since Fubara assumed office. Their disagreement, largely rooted in control of the state’s political structure and loyalty networks, has previously triggered tensions within the Rivers political landscape, splitting stakeholders into opposing camps.
Observers say the latest exchange signals that reconciliation efforts between both men remain fragile, as questions continue to mount over governance priorities and political alignments in the oil-rich state.
The Rivers State Government has yet to respond to Wike’s latest comments at the time of filing this report.
