Tinubu won’t dump Wike for Fubara, says Fayose
Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti, says President Bola Tinubu will not sideline Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), in favour of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, to settle the political crisis rocking the state.
Fayose spoke during an interview on Arise TV, where he argued that Tinubu places a high premium on loyalty, political strength and influence, qualities he said Wike possesses in abundance.
“Let me say this to Nigerians: the Asiwaju that I know, the president of Nigeria that we know, will not get rid of a Wike for a Fubara,” Fayose said.
“Wike came from Rivers to support president Tinubu. Wike is performing [as FCT minister]. We never had it so good in Abuja, even a blind man can’t deny that.
“At this stage of his life, even when he is no longer the minister of FCT, Wike is a man who has done well for himself in the political space. You will always need Wike. Let me tell you the truth.”
The former governor advised Fubara to seek peace by reconciling with Wike and honouring the agreement they both signed.
“I want to advise governor Fubara again. Please, Fubara, I am begging you, go and make certain amends and be at peace,” he said.
Wike began openly opposing Fubara’s re-election in December, accusing the governor of breaching the agreement they reached before Tinubu lifted the emergency rule earlier imposed in Rivers state.
Lawmakers of the Rivers state house of assembly aligned with Wike have also accused Fubara of authorising state spending without legislative approval.
Last Thursday, the assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Ngozi Odu, deputy governor of Rivers, over allegations of “gross misconduct”.
Drawing from his own experience, Fayose, who was impeached during his first term in 2006, warned that allies encouraging Fubara to confront Wike would abandon him if impeachment succeeds.
“If Fubara goes down today, they will run away. People who were saying I should fight back those days were not there when I was isolated. I was alone,” he said.
Fayose added that Tinubu strongly detests ingratitude and rewards loyalty, urging Fubara to learn from history.
“It is time for governor Fubara to learn. Learn the way I learned my lesson after my first tenure,” he said.
He also said Wike’s political clout remains critical to the electoral fortunes of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers and the FCT.
