Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, of making critical political errors shortly after taking office, saying the governor’s decision to operate independently and establish his own political structure too early contributed to the crisis that later engulfed Rivers State.
Speaking during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said he was surprised that Fubara allegedly began distancing himself from the political machinery that brought him to power within his first 100 days in office.Wike Says Fubara’s Biggest Mistake Was Trying to Build Political Structure Too Soon
According to the former Rivers State governor, the move suggested that Fubara underestimated the support system that facilitated his emergence as governor. Wike explained that before leaving office, he had envisioned a seamless transition that would allow his successor to build on the achievements of his administration, particularly in infrastructure development.
He said his goal was to position Rivers State to compete with Lagos by continuing projects initiated during his tenure. Among the projects he highlighted was the multi-billion-naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, which he described as a legacy initiative already underway before he handed over power. He also pointed to the construction of 12 flyovers across the state, saying they significantly improved traffic flow and transformed the landscape of Port Harcourt and surrounding communities.
Reflecting on the political relationship between the two, Wike stressed that leadership requires careful judgment, especially when dealing with competing interests and conflicting advice. “In politics, you must be very careful because not everyone around you genuinely wants you to succeed,” he said. He recalled advising Fubara during a church thanksgiving service held before the inauguration to focus on consolidating existing achievements rather than allowing distractions to derail his administration.
According to Wike, he had assured the incoming governor of his full support and encouraged him to continue the developmental agenda already in motion. However, Wike alleged that Fubara soon began listening to individuals who had never supported his emergence and who, according to him, were more interested in creating divisions than ensuring the success of the new administration.
He claimed that such advisers encouraged the governor to distance himself from his political allies and establish an independent political base almost immediately after assuming office. Wike said political leaders are often surrounded by people with different motives, including those who influence spouses, family members and close associates to create unnecessary friction.
He urged politicians to carefully evaluate the advice they receive and consider its long-term consequences before acting. The FCT minister maintained that Fubara’s attempt to operate without the backing of the political structure that supported his election ultimately weakened his administration. He dismissed allegations that he had demanded money from the governor, describing the claims as a familiar tactic often deployed whenever political allies fall out.
According to Wike, accusations of financial demands frequently surface during political disputes in an attempt to win public sympathy. Questioning the logic behind the allegation, Wike said his current position as FCT Minister gives him control over one of the country’s largest public budgets, making such claims baseless. He stated that his only expectation was for Fubara to stabilize Rivers State and consolidate on the foundation already laid by his administration.
Wike also pointed to what he described as his achievements since assuming office as FCT Minister, revealing that the Federal Capital Territory’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had increased from about ₦8 billion to approximately ₦40 billion under his leadership.
He said the increase demonstrates what can be achieved through focused leadership and commitment to results. According to Wike, Rivers State has lost valuable development time because of the political crisis, widening the gap between the state and Lagos, which he had hoped to narrow through continuity in governance.
