Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has finally disclosed the underlying reason for his strained relationship with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. According to Fubara, the crisis is rooted in the quest to control the state’s resources.
Fubara made this revelation at the 51st birthday ceremony of Chibuzor Chinyere, founder of Omega Power Ministry, in Port Harcourt. He emphasized that the state’s resources belong to the people and will be applied judiciously for their betterment. The governor appealed for continuous prayers from the congregation, which included Nigeria’s former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, and former Senate President Adolphus Wabara.
This development comes after a year-long political crisis in Rivers State, sparked by lawmakers loyal to Wike attempting to impeach Fubara just five months into his tenure. Fubara’s chief of staff, Edison Ehie, had previously made similar remarks about the crisis, stating that it began when a few leaders sought exclusive control of the state’s resources.
Rivers State is Nigeria’s second-richest state after Lagos, with a significant internally generated revenue. Fubara’s administration has vowed to manage these resources effectively, despite facing opposition from pro-Wike lawmakers who refused to honor a peace pact and withdraw their suits.
