Wike–Fubara Clash Taking Heavy Toll on Rivers Governance

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A senior All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has claimed that the ongoing political feud between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his former protege, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has significantly disrupted governance, development, and economic stability in the state.

Gossip News Now reports that Eze spoke on Thursday while responding to questions from Daily Post about the consequences of the lingering crisis on the people and development projects in Rivers State.

According to the APC leader, the dispute was initiated by Wike under the guise of serving the public interest, but it has instead negatively affected the state’s administration.

“The unwarranted power struggle in Rivers State, instigated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike under a grand narrative of public service, has in no small measure undermined governance in the state,” Eze said.

He added that the administration had been progressing steadily until the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu, which, according to him, stalled government operations.

“Prior to the emergency rule, governance and administration were moving forward, but the wheels of the state came to a halt with the removal of the Governor,” he noted.

Eze highlighted the suspension of major infrastructure projects as an immediate consequence of the conflict.

“The Ring Road project, a multi-billion-naira initiative linking several local government areas, was abandoned during the months the emergency rule lasted,” he said.

He added that the disruption not only delayed projects but could also increase costs by billions of naira, while other ongoing projects were similarly affected. He further alleged that the crisis had hurt the state’s economy.

“The state’s economy was stifled. Investors were scared off, jobs were lost, revenue declined, and the government struggled to pay salaries while billions were allegedly siphoned into private accounts,” Eze claimed.

The APC chieftain accused Wike of deliberately obstructing Rivers State’s progress to maintain political control.

“On a sincere note, Wike’s attempt to hinder Rivers State’s growth is one of the worst things a leader can do to their own state,” he said.

Eze also accused the former governor of destroying projects initiated by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, including initiatives in agriculture, education, and security.

“He turned Rivers State into a battleground to ensure the 2023 election was manipulated to satisfy his ego as the state’s political strongman,” he alleged.

According to Eze, Wike’s desire to dominate the state contributed to ongoing unrest even after Fubara assumed office.

“He nominated Fubara as governor, the people voted, and yet peace has remained elusive because Wike sought to control everything and everyone. All he wanted was for the Governor to be a figurehead, taking orders,” he said.

He further claimed that Wike aimed to weaken Fubara politically to prevent a second-term victory based on merit.

“He didn’t want the Governor to succeed on his own; Wike sought to ensure reelection would depend on rigging, keeping the Governor beholden to him,” Eze added.

Despite these challenges, Eze praised Governor Fubara for his foresight, noting that the governor continues to work toward stabilising governance.

“The sabotage was massive, yet the Governor persists in navigating unnecessary distractions,” he said.

Eze warned that the effects of the crisis would last, stating, “The impact on governance is enormous, and recovery efforts will take time.”

He concluded with a prayer for divine guidance for the governor: “I pray God grants the Governor wisdom to navigate these trials so that Rivers State can recover swiftly.”