‘Fubara’s grave mistake’ - Wike

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has alleged that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara committed a significant error by attempting to establish his own political base too soon after taking office on May 29, 2023. Wike asserted that this move demonstrated the governor's disregard for those who supported his rise and the political structure that facilitated it.

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You have been elected. Few days, you will be sworn in. Now what do you want to achieve? See where I have stopped. My thinking is that we do need to compete with Lagos. We have laid the foundation; he (Fubara) should be able to continue from there; we will give you all the necessary support.

Speaking at a media chat in Port Harcourt, Wike, a former governor, stated he had intended for Fubara to build upon the solid foundation he laid, aiming to accelerate Rivers State's development to rival Lagos. However, Wike expressed surprise at Fubara's independent plans. He highlighted legacy projects like the multi-billion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, which commenced before his handover, and the 12 commissioned flyovers he built, which he believes enhanced the state capital's infrastructure and aesthetics.

Wike emphasized the need for political meticulousness, suggesting Fubara's misstep exacerbated the developmental disparity between Rivers and Lagos. "In politics, you have to be careful," Wike advised. "There are those who want you to succeed and make a name. The opportunity that you have been given, not everybody that has that opportunity. There are those who are not happy who don’t want you to be there, and you have to be very careful."

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In politics, you have to be careful. There are those who want you to succeed and make a name. The opportunity that you have been given, not everybody that has that opportunity. There are those who are not happy who don’t want you to be there, and you have to be very careful.

The FCT minister further contended that Fubara began listening to individuals who sought his failure early in his administration. These advisors, Wike claimed, included those who desired Fubara's gubernatorial position and encouraged him to initiate a conflict with Wike himself. "In this game you have your stone base (support), you have your village relation, you have all kinds and manner of people. There are those who will mean well for you, there are those who will not mean well for you," Wike remarked, cautioning against misplaced trust.

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In this game you have your stone base (support), you have your village relation, you have all kinds and manner of people. There are those who will mean well for you, there are those who will not mean well for you.