FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has publicly addressed and sought to quash persistent rumors of a political rift with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’on Thursday, Wike delved into the specifics of a recent late-night meeting with Governor Fubara, a discussion primarily centered on the state’s recently concluded local government elections. He firmly asserted that Governor Fubara was not only fully aware but actively involved in the electoral process, underscoring that their collaborative relationship remains robust.

To ensure the utmost privacy for their critical discussions, Minister Wike revealed an extraordinary measure he took: personally driving to Governor Fubara’s residence at 1:00 AM. He recounted his insistence that the Governor, given his status, should not travel to see him. “This is what Nigerians should know. The Governor wanted to come and see me. I said, no, ‘you’re the governor.’ I drove to the governor’s house by 1 am,” Wike stated, emphasizing his commitment to discreet and effective communication between them.

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

During this unusual nocturnal meeting, Wike clarified the key agenda, which was to ensure alignment regarding the local government elections. He explicitly affirmed Governor Fubara’s integral role, declaring, “I said, Your Excellency, what do we do? There is nothing that was done that the governor wasn’t part of it.” This statement aimed to directly counter any insinuation that Governor Fubara was sidelined or disconnected from the crucial electoral proceedings in his state.

Further addressing a point of contention, Wike provided an explanation for Governor Fubara’s absence during the election period. He clarified that the Governor had informed him in advance of his travel plans due to a personal family engagement. “Even before the election, the governor travelled. He told me he will not be around because his son had this engagement,” Wike explained, dispelling any notion that Fubara’s absence was indicative of disengagement or a falling out.

Photo Credit: Vangaurd News

The former Rivers governor did not shy away from dismissing critics and online commentators who have fueled the speculation. Wike suggested that a significant portion of the ongoing rumors and discussions stems from individuals whose expectations of financial gain from political disputes have been disappointed. “People just sit somewhere, begin to talk all kinds of things they don’t even know, simply because, you know, all they were expecting is, ‘oh, they’ve not settled.’ Unfortunately, where people will be collecting money is no longer there,” he concluded, implying that the lack of perceived political instability has deprived some of a desired opportunity for influence or benefit.