Anabs Sara-Igbe, a former Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has attributed the political crisis in Rivers State to the alleged attempts by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to control the state’s financial resources.
Sara-Igbe claimed that Wike’s ambitions, including his reported presidential aspirations, are at the heart of his efforts to dominate the finances of Rivers State, even though Governor Siminalayi Fubara is in charge.
In an interview with News Central on Friday, Sara-Igbe explained, “The crisis in Rivers State is not about political structures; it is about money—control of the state’s resources. Wike is focused on controlling the money, and that is the structure he refers to.”
He further alleged that Wike views financial control as essential to securing his presidential ambition. “Wike is nursing a presidential ambition, and he believes money is the key to achieving that. This is why he is trying to control resources in both Rivers State and his current office. Unfortunately, he has approached it with force, which has created conflicts,” Sara-Igbe added.
The elder statesman also alleged that Wike played a significant role in shaping Governor Fubara’s administration by handpicking key officials, including commissioners, special advisers, and the chief of staff. According to Sara-Igbe, Wike also awarded substantial contracts before leaving office, effectively tying up federal allocations to the state.
“Wike influenced Governor Fubara’s emergence, no doubt. But at some point, the governor wasn’t even allowed to nominate his own commissioners. All the commissioners, advisers, and the chief of staff were selected by Wike. Before leaving office, Wike awarded contracts that would consume all federal allocations to the state and dictated which banks payments should be made to,” Sara-Igbe alleged.
He also accused Wike of attempting to control the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) for months after leaving office. “Wike wanted to dominate the state’s IGR as well. He managed to do this for several months before Governor Fubara stood his ground. That was when the conflict began. It all boils down to Wike’s desire to control Rivers State’s resources,” Sara-Igbe concluded.
These allegations come amidst ongoing tensions between Wike and Governor Fubara, with reports of political interference and power struggles overshadowing governance in the state.
