Rivers Crisis: Why Fubara May Be One-Term Governor
- The Rivers state political crisis between Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, may cost the governor his second-term ambition
- Governor Fubara appeared to be winning the battle at some points and bragged about his strength of being in charge of governance in the state
- However, Fubara may be another one-term governor in Nigeria's politics since 1999 based on three factors emerging from the political crisis between him and his predecessor
Legit.ng journalist Bada Yusuf is an accomplished politics and current affairs editor, boasting over seven years of experience in journalism and writing.
Port Harcourt, Rivers - Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state is one of the first-time governors who may not secure re-election come 2027 due to his rift with his political godfather, Nyesom Wike, currently the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Fubara's face-off with Wike started barely three months into the beginning of his administration as Rivers governor, which was not considered fair enough by many political observers.
Source: Twitter
Tinubu's alleged support for Fubara
There are insinuations that President Bola Tinubu is supporting Fubara. Observers said this is why the governor appears to have an edge over Wike.
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In a tweet, Aisha Yesufu, a public commentator, posited that Tinubu would instead ensure that the FCT minister was stripped of his power in Rivers state so that he could become a proper errand boy at his disposal.
But Tinubu publicly promised Wike that he would not let him down while commissioning a project in Abuja. Therefore, with federal and presidential backing, Wike may defeat Fubara or plot his removal before the end of his tenure.
Wike's understanding of politics
Another major factor that could be against Fubara is Wike's experience as ex-governor. In an interview with Legit.ng, an analyst, Okanlawon Gaffar, posited that Wike is more experienced in the political landscape than Fubara.
The analyst said based on his antecedent as governor of Rivers state, Wike knows how to win as a political godfather and how he could be defeated as one.
Gaffar said:
"Wike's position as a godfather, especially in the sense that he has passed through this before. He fought his godfather too to become the governor of Rivers state, so he understands how this game is played. I also believe that he understands how it can be lost and how it can be won.”
Wike's influence in APC and PDP
Another factor that should not be overlooked is Wike’s astuteness in politics. He has been active in politics since 1999. His membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and retention of a ministerial position in the All Progressives Congress (APC) government are testaments to his astuteness.
Though Governor Fubara recently hinted at leaving the PDP, saying the party has failed him, Wike currently appears to have the hold of the PDP and APC in Rivers.
It is not yet certain if Fubara has the strong political structure to form his political party or join a small party and believe he can defeat Wike in an election.
Rivers crisis: Lawyer reacts to court judgment
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Rivers state high court was commended over its ruling on the PDP membership status of the pro-Nyesom Wike-led House of Assembly.
In an interview with Legit.ng, Gaffar said there was no written document that the lawmakers left the PDP.
Buttressing his point, the legal practitioner described the situation as the over-judicialisation of Nigeria's democracy.
Proofreading by James Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
