The political relationship between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political benefactor, Nyesom Wike, seems to have fallen apart. The exact reasons for their falling out have not been made public, but there have been indications of a silent war between the two politicians.
Fubara had worked closely with Wike as the accountant-general of Rivers State, which helped build a good working relationship between them.
Prior to the 2023 governorship election, there were several politicians interested in succeeding Wike, and he was reportedly looking for a governor he could trust and who would protect him after leaving office.
One of the issues that reportedly caused tension between Fubara and Wike was the appointment of commissioners and key government functionaries. It is said that Wike influenced these appointments without any input from Fubara, which may have led to a sense of overbearing influence.
The two politicians started avoiding each other and stopped attending state functions together. Fubara was absent from some events that Wike attended, which was a departure from their previous close association.
On October 30, there was an attempt by the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Fubara. This was seen as the climax of the silent war between Fubara and Wike.
Prior to the impeachment attempt, unidentified arsonists invaded the state House of Assembly and set the chamber ablaze. Governor Fubara visited the site and alleged that he was shot at by some policemen present.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State called on both the legislative and executive arms of government to exercise restraint and resolve the impasse amicably.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) condemned the destruction of public assets and warned against jeopardizing the state’s fragile security.
Stakeholders and interest groups in Rivers State warned of grave consequences if Governor Fubara is forcefully removed and called for a change of mind from those behind the plot.