Who Else is with Godfather Wike …
- From Rotimi Amaechi, Odili, and Fubara?
British-American organisational consultant and motivational speaker, Simon Sinek, once said that leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge. In this direction, he speaks to Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State and present Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike’s political journey in Rivers has been marked by tumultuous relationships with key figures, revealing a complex web of power dynamics and personal animosities. In more than one way, his rocky relationship with his predecessors and former allies sheds light on his approach to governance and political manoeuvring.
Firstly, Wike’s strained relationship with Rotimi Amaechi, his immediate predecessor, is well-documented. Amaechi, who governed the state from 2007 to 2015, has clashed with Wike more times than there are stars in the sky. It doesn’t matter if it’s over political and administrative issues or how many bottles of alcohol one drinks—their confrontations are always bitter, harsh, and enduring.
Then there’s Wike’s alleged feud with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. Despite initially supporting Fubara’s candidacy, their relationship quickly soured, leading to public spats and accusations of betrayal. Here, critics have noted that Wike’s inability to maintain a harmonious relationship with his successor evidences his confrontational style and inability to foster unity within his political circle.
What about Wike’s rift with Peter Odili, a former governor and political mentor? According to accounts, Wike was once considered a protégé of Odili, but they fell out, due to shifting power dynamics and personal grievances.
Therefore, Odili’s recent endorsement of Fubara as the political leader of the state has been raising dust previously believed to have settled.
Apparently, the FCT minister’s tumultuous relationships with key figures in Rivers’ politics paint a picture of a divisive and confrontational leader. While his influence may have once been formidable, recent developments suggest a waning grip on power and influence, which raises questions about his future political trajectory in Rivers.
