AWC Political Desk
Political permutations in Rivers State are taking a dramatic turn, with signs increasingly pointing to a shift in presidential confidence away from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, toward Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his estranged political godson.
Once regarded as the undisputed power broker in Rivers politics, Wike now appears disfavoured in current alignments, as Governor Fubara steadily consolidates authority, visibility, and federal goodwill—both symbolically and substantively.
Fubara in Full Throttle
In recent weeks, Governor Fubara has “fired on all cylinders,” embarking on an aggressive governance drive marked by:
- Multiple project flag-offs and commissioning ceremonies
- Increased public engagement and assertive political messaging
- A deliberate show of independence from his former benefactor
At one such public outing, Fubara, who recently defected from PDP to the ruling APC, delivered what many observers interpreted as a thinly veiled rebuke of Wike, coining a song and declaring in pidgin:
“If you dey support Tinubu, mek you no dey follow corner corner.”
The statement was widely read as a jab at Wike, who—despite remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—has openly supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, a political balancing act that has drawn both admiration and suspicion.
Presidency Signals Preference
Fueling speculation of a changing power equation was the recent visit of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.
Following his meeting with Governor Fubara, Ribadu reportedly expressed satisfaction with the President’s assessment of Fubara’s performance, particularly in governance delivery, security cooperation, especially for oil and gas facilities and political stability in the state.
Political analysts view Ribadu’s visit—and his positive remarks—as a strong signal of presidential confidence, especially in a polity where symbolism often speaks louder than formal endorsements.
Wike’s Growing Silence
Perhaps most telling is the noticeable silence of Nyesom Wike in recent times. Known for his combative rhetoric and media dominance, the FCT Minister has been uncharacteristically restrained, avoiding direct public confrontation with Fubara and limiting political commentary on Rivers affairs.
Insiders suggest Wike’s silence may reflect:
- Strategic recalibration amid shifting alliances
- Diminishing influence over Rivers’ political machinery
- Awareness of changing sentiments within the presidency
Matters Arising
The unfolding dynamics raise critical questions:
- Is the presidency quietly repositioning its Rivers strategy ahead of future elections?
- Has Fubara successfully convinced Abuja of his loyalty, capacity, and independence?
- Can Wike maintain relevance in Rivers politics while straddling PDP membership and APC support?
Implications for Rivers and Beyond
If current trends persist, Rivers State may witness:
- A redefinition of godfatherism in Nigerian politics
- Stronger gubernatorial autonomy backed by federal confidence
- A realignment of party loyalties ahead of 2027
For now, Governor Fubara appears emboldened, governance-focused, and politically assertive—while Wike, once the loudest voice in Rivers politics, watches events unfold in rare silence.
In Nigeria’s fluid political theatre, one lesson remains constant: power respects momentum—and momentum, at the moment, seems to be tilting toward Government House, Port Harcourt.
