The political temperature in Rivers State has risen sharply after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, publicly denounced the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a "bad child." The verbal assault was delivered during a visit to Asari-Toru Local Government Area on Wednesday, January 7, 2025.
Wike's Accusation: Cancelled Projects and Jobs
The core of Wike's grievance centres on Governor Fubara's decision to cancel initiatives started during Wike's own tenure as governor. Wike specifically highlighted a youth employment scheme, claiming he had handed over a government that had employed over 10,000 Rivers youths. He expressed deep disappointment that his successor terminated these programs.
"Government is continuity," Wike stated, framing his criticism around the principle of administrative succession. "I employed over 10,000 Rivers youths but the person we handed over power to cancelled those jobs. A bad child is a bad child. That’s how you know how human beings are."
A 'Thank You' Visit Amidst Deepening Rift
The event was part of Wike's ongoing tour of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State, framed as a "thank you" to his political base. He praised the people of Asari-Toru LGA for their unwavering loyalty and support over the years.
"Today, we are here to say thank you. You have always stood with us," he said. The minister suggested that with political forces now united, he could rest easy. "Now that all the forces have come together and are united, it is time to go home and sleep with our eyes closed, knowing that all is well."
The Broader Context: Impeachment Threats and Allegations
Wike's fresh attack does not exist in a vacuum. It comes against the backdrop of a severe political crisis in the state. The Rivers State House of Assembly has already initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara for alleged gross misconduct.
Assembly Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, has been vocal, labelling Governor Fubara a 'mistake' and accusing him of financial mismanagement. A key point of contention is the governor's alleged failure to present the state's budget to the legislature as constitutionally required.
In reaction to these threats, political analyst Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Na’ibi has reportedly urged Governor Fubara to leverage state resources to counter the impeachment move. Na’ibi also called for grassroots mobilization and anti-corruption investigations that could involve lawmakers and Minister Wike himself.
The public feud between the former governor and his successor continues to define Rivers State politics, with the latest exchange indicating no immediate resolution is in sight.
