ADC Fires Fresh Shot At Wike, Says Fubara’s Crisis Exposed His Interest In Rivers Resources

The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of continuing to exert influence over the affairs of Rivers State, alleging that his interest in the state is primarily focused on its resources.

The party’s Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Chizzy Enyi, made the allegation in a video shared on social media while reacting to recent comments by Wike concerning the political reconciliation between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and members of his former political camp.

Wike, during an interview on TVC News, said Fubara had demonstrated sincerity in the ongoing reconciliation process and had fulfilled some of the agreements reached with members of the political group.

The FCT minister specifically stated that Fubara had submitted the names of members of his team who would form part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council before travelling to the United States. Wike also said he had no reason to doubt the governor’s commitment to the reconciliation efforts.

Reacting to the remarks, Enyi questioned why Wike, who is no longer the governor of Rivers State, appeared to be speaking about actions taken by the incumbent governor as though he remained in charge of the state.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the ADC spokesman argued that Wike’s comments created the impression that the former governor still considered himself a major authority in Rivers State.

Enyi further alleged that Wike’s continued involvement in Rivers politics was driven by an interest in the state’s resources rather than solely by political reconciliation.

He said Nigerians could now see what he described as Wike’s interest in Rivers State, alleging that the former governor had positioned himself as though he were still the chief executive of the state.

The ADC spokesman also maintained that Rivers State has a sitting governor whose administration is constitutionally responsible for running the affairs of the state, while suggesting that the current political situation would not continue indefinitely.

The allegations come amid the continuing political relationship between Wike and Fubara, whose disagreement after Fubara assumed office as governor triggered a prolonged crisis in Rivers State. The two political camps have since embarked on reconciliation efforts, with Wike recently saying the political dispute had been resolved and that Fubara had shown commitment to working with the group.

Fubara has also continued to engage in activities connected to the development and economic interests of Rivers State. During the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, the governor promoted the state’s investment opportunities in oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, the blue economy and renewable energy.

The ADC’s latest comments add another dimension to the ongoing political debate over Wike’s influence in Rivers State and the extent of Fubara’s political independence. Wike’s recent remarks were made in the context of reconciliation efforts, while the ADC has interpreted his involvement as evidence of continued influence over the state. No direct response from Wike to Enyi’s latest allegation was included in the report.