Nyesom Wike blames Siminalayi Fubara for early political missteps

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State governor, repeatedly said that Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s biggest mistake was attempting to build an independent political structure within his first 100 days in office. Wike argued the move undermined the political network that supported Fubara’s emergence and widened the development gap between Rivers and Lagos. He cited legacy projects such as the multi‑billion‑naira Port Harcourt Ring Road and twelve flyovers commissioned during his own tenure, which he expected Fubara to consolidate.

Wike also described the prolonged feud between the two men as the “biggest casualty” for Rivers State, noting that impeachment attempts and political infighting hurt the state’s growth. Later, he announced a reconciliation, urging unity and promising to work together for the state’s development. The minister’s comments were made during several media chats in Port Harcourt, where he warned that politics requires careful alliances and that building a personal structure too early can destabilise governance.