Wike says Fubara’s bid to build political structure early was biggest mistake

THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has identified what he described as the major mistakes made by his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying the Rivers governor moved too quickly to establish an independent political structure and attempted to govern without the backing of those who brought him to power.

Speaking during a media chat in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said he became concerned when Fubara began building his own political base less than 100 days after taking office, arguing that the move signalled a disregard for the political platform that supported his emergence as governor.

The former Rivers governor said he left office after laying a strong development foundation, expecting Fubara to consolidate on the achievements and help the state close its infrastructure gap with Lagos. According to him, projects such as the multi-billion-naira Port Harcourt Ring Road and the construction of 12 flyovers were designed to drive long-term growth.

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Wike maintained that politicians must exercise caution and avoid decisions that could alienate loyal supporters. He argued that Fubara listened to advisers who encouraged him to challenge the political structure that produced him, rather than focusing on governance and continuity.

He said the governor’s attempt to operate independently weakened the political alliance that had supported his rise, adding that those who never wanted him in office could not genuinely work for his success.

Responding to allegations that he demanded money from Fubara, Wike dismissed the claims as baseless, saying such accusations often surface whenever political allies fall out. He questioned why he would seek financial benefits while serving as FCT minister, noting that the territory’s budget is comparable to that of a state government.

The minister said his only expectation was for Fubara to stabilise Rivers State and build on the achievements of his administration. He added that the FCT’s internally generated revenue had risen from about N8 billion monthly when he assumed office to around N40 billion, which he cited as evidence of results-driven leadership.

According to Wike, Fubara’s political decisions ultimately distracted from governance and widened the development gap between Rivers and Lagos, contrary to the vision he had for the state before leaving office.