Tensions Explode As Wike’s Ally Dares Fubara: ‘Step Down The Legal Way

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mocked suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over his recent remarks suggesting he is no longer interested in returning to office.

According to Naija News, Fubara made the statement during a song service held in honour of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

During the event, Fubara declared that he had lost interest in reclaiming the governorship, indicating that he had emotionally detached from the role.

“Can’t you see how much better I look? Do you think I still care about it? Do you even know if I want to go back? My spirit left that place a long time ago,” he said, implying a personal disconnection from the position.

His comments followed President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. The suspension came amid plans to declare a state of emergency in the state, as the political crisis between Fubara and Wike deepened. In the interim, retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

The ongoing conflict between Fubara and Wike stems from a bitter struggle for political dominance and control over state resources—a dispute that nearly escalated into a security crisis, with threats from Niger Delta militants to target oil installations.

Reacting to Fubara’s statement, Olayinka took to (formerly Twitter) and sarcastically compared the situation to a troubled marriage, suggesting that since Fubara’s “spirit” had already left the office, he should make his exit official.

“It is not really compulsory to stay in a marriage your spirit already left. Simply opt out legally,” Olayinka wrote.