Wike vs. Fubara: Who really caused the fight — Dele Momodu

When 2 Elephants fight on a turf, the grasses they say are made to suffer, and for a while that was the crisis in Rivers State as Governor Sim Fubara and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike locked horns.

The simmering political feud between Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, was analyzed by veteran journalist Dele Momodu, who according to quotes from his interview on Channels, suggests that the root cause of their rivalry lies in the battle for control over Rivers State’s treasury.

On Channels TV’s segment, Politics Today, Momodu, who stands himself a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shed light on the underlying motivations behind the discord between Wike and Fubara. The feud, he asserts, is centered around the control and influence wielded over the financial resources of Rivers State.

The tensions between Wike and Fubara have been palpable since Governor Fubara assumed office on May 29, 2023, sparking a series of clashes that have reverberated throughout the state’s political landscape.

The rift has affected various branches of governance, including the state House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and state commissioners aligned with either faction.

Efforts to quell the discord, notably through intervention from President Bola Tinubu, culminated in a peace pact signed by both factions. However, despite these diplomatic overtures, the animosity persists, with ongoing skirmishes and tensions among their respective supporters.

Reflecting on the dynamics at play, Momodu emphasized the pivotal role of Rivers State in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, highlighting its significance in shaping national politics.

He pointed to the strategic importance of controlling the state’s resources, not only for electoral advantage but also for securing direct access to its treasury—a coveted asset for political players seeking financial leverage.