Dons Eze
NSIDE FUBARA’S UNENDING FIGHT WITH WIKE
It is obvious to all that an end is far from near in the raging political quarrel between the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
Wike, the incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, single-handedly installed Fubara as his successor in Rivers State. However, their relationship has turned acrimonious, with little, if any, room for compromise over broken agreements.
Amid the conflicts that have resulted in alleged attempts to unseat Fubara, insiders disclose what the Rivers State Governor is working on to stay ahead of the machinations of his angry godfather.
Sources disclosed that Fubara is furiously putting in place a web of political allies through strategic alliances and bold initiatives. The structure, being built outside of the influence of Wike, is focused on securing support outside the state, particularly at the national level of the party.
The recent threat by Wike to cause trouble in the domains of PDP governors and others backing the Rivers Governor is said to be in response to the strategic network building being done by Fubara.
Wike, who remains the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State and is serving as Minister in the government of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), is still a formidable force both in Rivers State and at the national level of the PDP.
Sources added that, as part of the preparation to best Wike in the unending power struggle that will inevitably produce a single winner, Fubara is also focused on diversifying the state’s sources of income while dismantling the revenue networks of his predecessor.
“That is why some major contracts have been re-awarded and agreements to give businesses to some persons shunned. Fubara is building his own people,” according to information gathered from various sources.
Further revelations indicate that Fubara is also aggressively courting favorable public perception through widespread community programs and gestures, particularly targeting the youth.
This move, backed by increasing investment in security initiatives, is said to be helping him keep the state safe.
“Fubara is increasingly nurturing a rich rapport with community leaders, traditional institutions, and other relevant stakeholders through ongoing engagements. This step, enhanced by the increasing number of community projects, has helped him have a better handle on local sentiments and security,” according to those in the know.
Additional reports suggest that although there is a plan to fight it out with Wike for the control of the PDP in Rivers State, based on assurances of support from friends in influential positions within the party at the national level, Fubara is also exploring the option of moving to another party as part of efforts to have more significant control over his political fate—without being beholden to the control imposed by remaining in the same party as his adversary.
