Fayose Says He Warned Fubara Not to Let ‘Influencers’ Ruin His Alliance With Wike

Spread the love

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has recalled a warning he gave Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, cautioning him against letting external influences damage his political alliance with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The warning, Fayose explained in an interview on ARISE Television, took place during Fubara’s 2023 inauguration and highlighted the spiritual and political consequences of ignoring wise counsel. He described the growing tension between Wike and Fubara as more than mere political rivalry, suggesting that external “patronizers” or advisers had begun to sway the governor’s decisions against his benefactor.

“When Governor Fubara took office, we attended his swearing-in ceremony, then moved to Wike’s farewell lunch as outgoing governor, and later joined Fubara’s welcome dinner. I gave a short speech after Wike granted me five minutes, and I used that moment to remind Fubara that he became governor by God’s grace and through the support of his brother, the former governor,” Fayose recounted.

He urged Fubara to be cautious about whom he listened to in his administration:

“I advised him to shut his doors and windows because patronizers—those who mislead leaders—would soon arrive. I told him not to entertain people who would whisper things capable of damaging his relationship with Wike, both in the first four years and beyond. I warned that once he opened those doors, he would encounter ‘spirits’—negative influences. And if he followed their lead and fought Wike, the consequences would be long‑lasting, considering Wike’s history.”

Fayose added that youthful enthusiasm and the pressures of office often cause leaders to forget critical lessons, making them vulnerable to manipulation. Using a vivid analogy, he explained:

“People who were never part of a woman’s upbringing sometimes influence her negatively, leading to destruction.”

The Warning Comes to Fruition

The former governor reflected on how his counsel eventually materialized. According to him, the ongoing rivalry between Fubara and Wike, which has persisted despite President Bola Tinubu’s mediation, mirrors the consequences he had foreseen. He described the situation as “spiritual,” implying that political missteps driven by outside influences were inevitable once Fubara ignored his advice.

Fayose also highlighted the broader lesson for political leaders: alliances should be safeguarded, and undue influence from outsiders can have lasting repercussions. He noted that the escalating conflict during Wike’s 17-day “thank you” tour in Rivers State, where Wike declared Fubara would not secure a second-term ticket, confirmed his earlier warning.

“That advice was prophetic, and not long after, the conflict between Wike and Fubara escalated, eventually contributing to his removal. It is spiritual,” he concluded.

Analysis

Fayose’s narrative underscores the delicate balance of political mentorship, loyalty, and influence within Nigerian politics. His account reveals how external actors, often referred to as “influencers,” can shape political outcomes when leaders fail to heed wise counsel. The situation in Rivers State serves as a cautionary tale: personal ambition, if not managed carefully, can unravel critical alliances that underpin political stability and success.