Prominent activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has voiced his concerns about the political rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a press conference held in Abuja, Adeyanju offered strategic advice to Governor Fubara, urging him to adopt a more assertive approach in dealing with the ongoing conflict.
Describing Wike as a “totalitarian,” Adeyanju argued that Wike’s political demeanor leaves little room for compromise. He stressed that Governor Fubara’s continuous attempts to reconcile or make concessions have only emboldened Wike, further prolonging the crisis.
“There is nothing Governor Fubara can do to make Wike relent,” Adeyanju declared. “Wike is a totalitarian who does not believe in finding middle ground. Every time the governor has tried to accommodate him or shift his stance, Wike becomes even more emboldened. The only viable solution is for Fubara to confront him directly.”
Adeyanju further explained Wike’s behavior, noting that the minister does not handle challenges well. “Wike dislikes being challenged. Once you stand up to him, he becomes visibly unsettled and starts making erratic statements,” Adeyanju said.
He also highlighted the legal implications of the situation, advising Fubara to leverage the law to resolve the political crisis.
“The law is clear: when politicians defect, they lose their seats as established by the Supreme Court. Wike and his allies secured a lower court ruling to counter this established precedent, but that doesn’t change the legal standing. Governor Fubara needs to assert his position with full confidence in the law.”
Adeyanju called on Governor Fubara to adopt a bold stance and resist the “god complex” that Wike allegedly displays in his political dealings. “Fubara should man up and confront him head-on. Wike is not a god, and this perception of himself as a supreme oracle within the political space is misguided. If Wike truly held such unmatched power, he would have secured the PDP presidential ticket for himself in 2023.”
Adeyanju did not mince words about Wike’s political strategies, suggesting that the minister’s domineering tactics extend beyond Rivers State. “The way Wike has treated his supporters and political allies is exactly how he will treat others, including President Tinubu. He makes no exceptions. It’s a pattern of behavior that stems from an inflated sense of self-importance.”
The rift between Governor Fubara and Wike reportedly began in late 2023, resulting in severe political unrest in Rivers State. The crisis led to a division within the state assembly and the eventual burning of the assembly complex.
