Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims of a personal conflict with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying he still regards him as a political protégé.

In an interview with BBC Pidgin published Saturday, Wike insisted his fight is not with Fubara, but with individuals allegedly manipulating the governor for selfish gain.

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son. Why will I fight with him?” Wike said.
“I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. When you don’t defeat them, they will think you… Defeat them to the final stage. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

The political feud between Wike and Fubara, which began in 2023, intensified and led to heightened tensions in Rivers State, culminating in a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, followed by Fubara’s suspension in March.

Despite the friction, Wike disclosed that Fubara recently visited him alongside two APC governors as part of reconciliation efforts. Sources also revealed that Fubara has apologized to the FCT minister.

The development signals ongoing attempts to restore political stability in Rivers State, as both camps continue quiet negotiations and public declarations.