“I Weep in Private”: Wike Breaks Silence, Opens Up on Fallout with Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara

 

Emotions ran high during a recent press briefing in Abuja as Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, shared a deeply personal account of his fractured relationship with the suspended governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara. In a candid moment that gripped the media audience, Wike disclosed that he has often found himself in tears while reflecting on the political betrayal he says he suffered at the hands of his former ally.

Wike, who governed Rivers State for eight years, explained that his heartbreak stems from the painful contrast between Fubara’s early loyalty and the subsequent political fallout that has cast a shadow over their once-close relationship. The minister did not hold back as he recalled the critical role he played in elevating Fubara to the governorship, describing how he had defied opposition and committed political capital to ensure Fubara’s victory.

Fubara’s ascendancy to the governorship in 2023 was widely credited to Wike’s influence and strategic maneuvering. At the time, Wike stood firm against dissenting voices within the state’s political structure to endorse Fubara as his successor. However, shortly after assuming office, cracks began to appear in their alliance. What began as minor disagreements soon spiraled into a full-blown political crisis that disrupted governance in the state and drew national attention.

Governance came to a virtual standstill in Rivers as both camps launched political salvos at one another. The conflict drew the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, who, faced with a rapidly deteriorating political landscape, declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. In an unprecedented move, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly, effectively dissolving the existing structure of governance.

To stabilize the situation, the President appointed a sole administrator to oversee state affairs, sidelining elected officials in favor of temporary centralized control. The decision was controversial but deemed necessary to restore order.

Despite the chaos and the political bitterness, there are signs of a potential thaw. Fubara recently made a surprise visit to Wike in an apparent effort to reconcile. While details of their meeting remain scarce, the gesture indicates a willingness—at least symbolically—to mend fences.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Wike gave voice to the emotional turmoil he has experienced amid the betrayal. “When I go back in my quiet moments, I play the video of speeches of the governor—what he said; what he did to me; I weep,” he said with noticeable emotion.

He recounted how he had supported Fubara not just politically but personally, suggesting that his backing went beyond the realm of duty. “Was it necessary? This was somebody who brought you, gave you food, gave you everything, did this for you, and then you became a tool for his enemies to fight him,” Wike lamented.

The former governor’s remarks painted a picture of a man not only disillusioned but deeply wounded by the breach of trust. His words underscored the emotional weight that often accompanies political relationships in Nigeria, where loyalties are fluid and alliances frequently shift with expediency.

Observers of Rivers State politics note that the Wike-Fubara saga is emblematic of the broader challenges facing Nigerian democracy—where personal loyalties are sometimes indistinguishable from political institutions, and betrayals can upend entire governance structures.

Political analysts are divided on whether the reconciliation effort between the two leaders will yield a lasting truce. Some believe the damage may be too deep, while others argue that personal conversations, like the one reportedly held recently, could pave the way for renewed collaboration—especially with the 2027 elections on the distant horizon.

For now, Wike remains visibly affected, not just by the political implications but by the emotional toll the episode has taken on him personally. Whether his tears signal the end of an era or the beginning of a new chapter remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the political drama in Rivers State is far from over.