Wike Praised By Dele Farotimi As Political Recruitment Mastermind Despite Personal Dislike And Fubara’s Leadership Crisis

 

Former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has once again found his political choices becoming the center of heated discussion across Nigeria’s political landscape. Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, ignited conversations on Wednesday when he openly labeled Wike a “genius” in the art of political recruitment, despite his personal disdain for the former governor. His remark came through a strongly worded post on the social media platform X, sparking debates on the enduring political crisis that has defined Rivers State in recent times.

Farotimi, known for his fiery commentaries and consistent advocacy for accountability, minced no words in expressing that his admiration was not for Wike as a person but for the strategic brilliance he displayed in selecting Siminalayi Fubara as his successor. He described the governor as a “simpleton” who, in his view, lacked the qualities required for the demands of leadership. Yet, he maintained that the selection of Fubara was evidence of Wike’s mastery in political gamesmanship, showing foresight in choosing a candidate who would serve the tactical interests of his political agenda.

“You should applaud Wike’s recruitment genius, not question the Ijaw’s historic record of bravery. I don’t like Wike, there’s absolutely nothing to emulate or to eulogize in him, BUT on this matter of the Simpleton known as Fubara, I am persuaded to acknowledge his genius,” Farotimi declared. His choice of words underscored the tension between personal dislike and reluctant admiration, a sentiment that many political observers may share when assessing Wike’s trajectory in Nigerian politics.

The drama surrounding Fubara’s governorship has been intense since his swearing-in. Barely had he settled into office when a rift with his predecessor exploded into a full-blown political battle. What started as simmering disagreements quickly escalated into legislative confrontations, legal battles, and open hostilities between camps loyal to Wike and those rallying around Fubara. The state’s political environment became so chaotic that it drew the attention of the federal government, culminating in a controversial declaration of a state of emergency.

During this period, Fubara and his deputy were suspended for six months, effectively paralyzing governance in Rivers State and leaving citizens in a state of uncertainty. Analysts described the move as unprecedented in the democratic history of the state, raising questions about both the stability of subnational governments and the balance of power between the federal center and the states. For Rivers, a region historically known for its bold political culture and economic importance, the crisis reinforced perceptions of volatility.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eventually intervened, lifting the state of emergency and reinstating Governor Fubara. His decision restored a semblance of stability, but the scars of the confrontation remain visible in the political fabric of the state. Tinubu’s intervention, while easing immediate tensions, has not erased the deeper mistrust and rivalry that now defines the relationship between Wike and his handpicked successor.

Political watchers argue that the unfolding saga is a cautionary tale about succession politics in Nigeria. Wike’s decision to back Fubara initially appeared to guarantee continuity of influence in Rivers politics. Yet, the breakdown of their relationship illustrates the inherent risks in assuming loyalty from chosen successors. Farotimi’s remarks, while sharp and dismissive of Fubara’s leadership qualities, capture the paradox: Wike’s brilliance in identifying someone malleable enough to be controlled is undeniable, but the consequences have become messy and destabilizing.

The implications of this crisis stretch beyond the borders of Rivers State. With Wike now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, his ability to maintain influence at both the federal and state levels is being tested. His standing in Abuja remains strong, yet his legacy at home risks being overshadowed by the turmoil engulfing his successor’s administration. The Rivers experience also adds to the broader discourse about governance and leadership in Nigeria, where the balance between political loyalty and competence is often skewed in favor of patronage.

Farotimi’s intervention adds another layer to the narrative. As a critic unafraid of voicing unpopular opinions, his acknowledgement of Wike’s “genius” is less an endorsement and more a grudging recognition of political craft. It highlights the uncomfortable reality that political skill does not always translate to good governance. While Wike’s maneuvering may be admired by some, the people of Rivers are left grappling with instability and uncertainty, paying the real price of political gamesmanship.

As Rivers State attempts to recover from months of upheaval, the battle between Wike and Fubara serves as a case study in Nigeria’s volatile politics. It demonstrates how personal ambitions, succession disputes, and federal interventions can converge to disrupt governance. Whether Fubara can consolidate power and step out of his predecessor’s shadow remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Wike’s imprint on the political destiny of Rivers State remains as strong as ever, even in the midst of chaos.

Farotimi’s statement is likely to resonate for weeks to come, fueling debates across political circles. His words captured both the genius and the tragedy of the Rivers political crisis, leaving Nigerians to wonder whether brilliance in political recruitment can ever justify the turbulence that follows.