Wike Reaffirms Loyalty to President Tinubu Amid Rivers State Crisis, Says 'Tinubu Is My Father'.
By Wisdom Tide
13/00/2024
In a recent interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. Wike, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, openly expressed his commitment to Tinubu’s leadership and spoke about the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, particularly between himself and the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike’s statements highlight the complexities of political allegiances and power dynamics within the Nigerian political landscape. As the tension in Rivers State continues to escalate, Wike’s declaration of loyalty to Tinubu may influence how these conflicts unfold.
Loyalty to Tinubu: A Matter of Principle
Nyesom Wike has made it clear that his loyalty to President Tinubu is grounded in both respect and belief in the president’s leadership capabilities. During the interview, Wike emphasized that his support for Tinubu was not based on any personal gains or pre-arranged bargains. Instead, it stemmed from his genuine belief in Tinubu’s capacity to govern effectively.
“I’m an appointee of Mr. President, and I never had any bargain before I supported him,” Wike stated during the interview. “I believed in his capacity and never hid my intentions of what I’m going to do.”
Wike further underscored that Tinubu’s appointment of him as Minister of the FCT was a gesture of trust, and as such, he feels an obligation to remain loyal to the president. He noted that even though there were some matters he could have resisted, he ultimately accepted them because of his respect for Tinubu’s authority and the age difference between them. "He’s the president of a country and he is our father even by age. And he appointed me; why would I say no?" Wike added.
Accusations Against Governor Fubara
Beyond his expression of loyalty to Tinubu, Wike also used the platform to voice his frustrations with the current governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara. According to Wike, Governor Fubara has taken advantage of President Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis in Rivers State to disrespect and insult several key political figures, including Wike himself.
Wike accused Fubara of using the president’s intervention as an opportunity to demean those around him. “The governor took advantage of the presidential intervention to insult everybody,” Wike lamented, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with Fubara’s behavior.
This accusation comes amid an ongoing power struggle between Wike and Fubara, which has further intensified the already volatile political climate in Rivers State.
Political Power Struggle in Rivers State
The friction between Wike and Fubara is no secret. The two have been at odds over the political and resource control of Rivers State for some time now. While President Tinubu had previously intervened in an effort to mediate the dispute and even secured a temporary peace agreement between the two, tensions remain high.
Wike’s comments during the interview indicate that the rift between him and Governor Fubara is far from being resolved. Despite Tinubu’s intervention, the animosity between the two political heavyweights has only deepened, and Wike expressed his disapproval of Fubara’s actions following the peace agreement.
“The president said do this and that, but [Fubara] went back and raised over 40 litigations,” Wike revealed, accusing the governor of acting in bad faith after the peace talks. These litigations, Wike claims, have further aggravated the political crisis, leaving little room for reconciliation between the two leaders.
Tinubu’s Role in the Conflict
President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the ongoing Rivers State crisis is seen as a significant effort to restore peace between Wike and Fubara. By stepping in to mediate, Tinubu sought to bring an end to the power struggle that has gripped the state for months. Both Wike and Fubara were called upon to sign a peace pact, a move aimed at calming tensions and fostering cooperation between the two leaders for the benefit of Rivers State.
However, despite Tinubu’s efforts, the feud persists. Wike’s recent statements suggest that the peace pact may have been more of a temporary measure than a lasting solution. His accusations against Fubara paint a picture of a governor unwilling to compromise and further complicate the political situation in Rivers.
Conclusion: A Test of Political Loyalty and Leadership
Nyesom Wike’s declaration of loyalty to President Tinubu, despite the ongoing conflict with Governor Fubara, reflects the intricate nature of political alliances in Nigeria. Wike has firmly positioned himself as a supporter of Tinubu’s leadership, indicating that his loyalty to the president outweighs his local political rivalries.
The unresolved crisis in Rivers State, however, remains a major concern. While Tinubu’s intervention was intended to restore order, the continued hostility between Wike and Fubara suggests that a more permanent resolution is yet to be found. As the situation unfolds, both Wike’s loyalty to the president and his political influence in Rivers State will be tested, with potential implications for the wider political landscape of Nigeria.
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