The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ruled out any possibility of reconciliation with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of lacking the capacity to provide effective leadership.
Wike said any governor who is unable to maintain a functional relationship with local government chairmen, members of the State House of Assembly, National Assembly members and other critical stakeholders cannot successfully govern a state.
He made the remarks on Friday during a “thank you visit” to the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he addressed supporters he described as the “Renewed Hope Family.”
The former Rivers State governor said the state could not afford to be led by a governor who fails to honour agreements reached during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that such conduct weakens governance, erodes trust and fuels instability.
“Leadership goes beyond holding office,” Wike said, stressing that governance requires political balance, consultation and respect for agreements.
He explained that the ongoing series of “thank you visits” to local government areas across the state, which began last week, was aimed at appreciating loyal supporters and clarifying political positions ahead of future political developments in Rivers State.
Wike warned that the crisis in the state could not be resolved with money, insisting that Governor Fubara must openly brief Rivers people on what was discussed with President Tinubu.
“Money cannot solve this problem the governor has started. Tell the Rivers people what was discussed with the President. If you succeed with the first one that was resolved, you will not succeed with the second one,” he said.
He further warned against leadership confusion, declaring that “there cannot be two captains in one ship.”
“So whoever is assuring you that when you shout on your mandate that all is well, then you are wrong,” Wike added.
During the interaction, Wike dismissed claims that some political actors who previously supported Atiku Abubakar had regained relevance in Rivers politics, questioning their political value based on their performance in the last election.
“We must make decisions. I heard somebody saying that those who worked for Atiku are back. They couldn’t give Atiku 10 percent. So what is the political advantage? I will not call their names because you all know them,” he said.
Wike reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress-led federal government, pledging full support for President Tinubu.
“We will do all we can to see that we give President Bola Tinubu all the total support that he requires,” he stated.
He concluded by reiterating that any governor who cannot work harmoniously with local government chairmen, lawmakers and other stakeholders cannot deliver good governance.
Wike’s comments have further heightened political tension in Rivers State, with the ongoing crisis continuing to divide party structures and government institutions, suggesting that reconciliation may no longer be an option from his camp.
