Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the biggest loser in the political crisis that rocked the state.
Wike said the governor missed the opportunity to secure a second term because he relied on what he described as wrong advice from supporters who misled him throughout the crisis.
The former Rivers governor made the remarks on Saturday during a media chat in Port Harcourt. According to Wike, Fubara’s inability to conduct the local government election that produced the current council chairmen and his lack of control over the Rivers State House of Assembly showed he was no longer in charge politically.
Wike speaks on impeachment
Speaking during the media chat, Wike said impeachment is recognised by the Constitution but should be treated as a political tool that requires caution. He argued that political disputes often demand compromise in the interest of peace.
“Impeachment is constitutionally provided but it is used as a political tool. When you are having two people quarrelling, at a certain stage, you have to surrender. If you don’t surrender, this is what will happen to you. Now you have to weigh the option. For the interest of peace, let us sheathe our swords.”
The FCT minister also stressed that impeachment should only be considered after following due constitutional process. He cited the impeachment proceedings against former United States President Donald Trump as an example of how constitutional procedures operate.
‘Fubara failed to control Assembly’
Wike expressed disappointment that Fubara could not secure the support of lawmakers during the political crisis. According to him, none of the 29 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with the governor despite claims by some supporters that they stood firmly behind him.
“Assembly of 29 members, not one was taken away. What does it tell you?”
He questioned the role played by those around the governor. According to Wike, they encouraged confrontation but failed to produce any meaningful political gains. The former governor also argued that money alone could not determine political loyalty.
Wike says governor lost second-term opportunity
Wike maintained that the governor suffered major political setbacks because of the advice he received from his allies. He recalled that the local government election conducted under Fubara was later nullified by the Supreme Court, resulting in the removal of the elected council officials. According to him, the governor also failed to position himself for another term in office.
“When I said the governor is losing, what I mean… the governor did not preside over the local government election. The one he did was nullified by the Supreme Court and they were all sacked. Because of some people who surrounded him, giving him advice, the governor did not secure a second term.”
Wike also recalled flagging off the Rivers Ring Road project. He said he had publicly told Fubara that completing the project would strengthen his chances of re-election. According to him, advisers around the governor focused only on political battles instead of helping him succeed.
‘Politics is about power’
Wike said he sympathised with Fubara despite their political differences. However, he insisted the governor remained the biggest casualty of the crisis because he failed to maximise what he described as an opportunity handed to him.
“If you want me to say the bitter truth, I feel for him. But yes, he is the biggest loser. God gave you something on a platter of gold.”
The minister also argued that politics is fundamentally about power. According to him, the real issue is how political leaders use that power once they acquire it.
“Politics is not church. Politics is all about power. What you use the power for is a different thing. Whether you use it for the interest of the people or not is a different thing.”
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