Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has cast doubts on the ability of his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, to succeed in office, citing poor decision-making and bad counsel from his advisers.
Addressing a large gathering of his supporters in the state on Saturday, Wike criticized Fubara’s leadership choices, claiming that the governor had surrounded himself with individuals who “do not mean well for Rivers State.”
Wike: Fubara Surrounded by Wrong Advisers
According to Wike, many of the individuals currently advising the governor were originally contenders for the same position but were rejected because he believed they lacked the state’s best interests at heart.
“You surrounded yourself with people who wanted to be governor, whom I said ‘no, these people don’t mean well for Rivers State.’ They are the ones surrounding you, giving you advice. Do you think you will succeed?”
The former governor suggested that Fubara’s reliance on these individuals was already proving detrimental to his administration.
Supreme Court Ruling: ‘You Are Already Down 2-0’
Mocking his successor’s recent political setbacks, Wike referenced the recent Supreme Court ruling, which ordered Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers and to reconduct local government elections in the state.
“They will give bad advice, and look at what bad advice is doing to you. You are already down 2-0, and there’s more to come.”
This statement suggests that Wike believes more challenges await Fubara, reinforcing his stance that the governor’s current leadership approach is flawed.
Political Tensions in Rivers State
The rift between Wike and Fubara has been a major political issue in Rivers State, with ongoing power struggles within the state’s political structure. While Wike was instrumental in Fubara’s emergence as governor, their relationship has since soured, leading to divisions within the ruling party and state legislature.
With the Supreme Court ruling adding further pressure on Fubara’s administration, it remains to be seen how he will navigate these challenges and whether he can consolidate his authority amid growing political tension.
