Fubara told me his fight with Wike started when Wike went on air criticising him repeatedly – Bode George

Chief Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party has shed light on the rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking during an interview on Nigeria Info FM, George detailed how a breakdown in communication and governance expectations led to the political crisis in the state.

According to George, Governor Fubara became frustrated over Wike’s constant public criticism despite their previously close relationship.

He explained that Fubara had confided in the PDP Board of Trustees about how Wike would frequently attack him on radio and television rather than addressing issues privately.

“And what was the quarrel between them?” George said during the interview. “Fubara told the Board of Trustees members that on every occasion when he made certain administrative approvals or resolutions, he would expect his friend to call him and say, ‘OK, this is my interest or no interest.’ But instead, he said Wike kept blasting him on radio, television and all that.”

The veteran politician noted that this constant public criticism unsettled Fubara who felt undermined. The governor, according to George insisted that he was not a mere steward or an infant in governance.

Fubara reportedly believed that any disagreements should be discussed privately for the good of Rivers State, rather than being played out in the media.

The feud between Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Fubara has been a major source of political tension in Rivers State.

While efforts have been made to broker peace, the lingering power struggle continues to shape the political landscape of the oil-rich state.