Are Wike and Fubara Back for Good?

There was a time when critical political crises in Rivers were clearly understood. Now, with Nyesom Wike wielding authority from a distance and Governor Siminalayi Fubara rubbing shoulders with him, one cannot say whether the duo is back to being in each other’s good books.

Previously, Governor Fubara was believed to be waging war against his predecessor, Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. So serious was the alleged conflict that loyalists of Wike at the state House of Assembly initiated the proceedings to impeach Fubara. Simultaneously, the latter’s loyalists fought back, attempting to rid the state of Wike’s influence.

However, everything was eventually settled. Both Fubara and Wike were summoned to Aso Rock Villa by President Bola Tinubu, shook hands, and supposedly buried the hatchet. This soap opera was reinforced by the duo appearing together to canvass for foreign investment in Abuja, with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo joining the campaign.

There is only one issue with all of these: while Wike and Fubara are fidgeting over foreign investors, the Rivers State House of Assembly allegedly remains knee-deep in controversy and crisis. According to reports, the factions of Wike and Fubara continue to lock horns, going so far as holding sittings in different locations.

One would assume that once the herders have settled, the herd would follow suit. But this is not the case with Wike and Fubara’s people. This indicates that the reconciliation may not have been finalised or that the honourable members of the Assembly are acting independently, no longer pursuing the interests of their chiefs.

The current powers in the state have blurred out party lines, as nobody from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could settle the rift between Wike and Fubara despite the duo being the immediate past and present flag bearers. It was Tinubu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who sorted out their issues.

All of this is unusual for Rivers. Things are usually clear with friends fraternising and adversaries charging one another to court. Now, these things are happening simultaneously around the same people.

So, are Wike and Fubara back for good or not? Maybe one needs to visit the president’s villa to find out.