Fubara refuses Wike N700b, FCT minister runs riot

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara's refusal to hand over a reported N700 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the minister for federal capital territory, Nyesom Wike, has has been identified as the cause of the renewed hostility between the two government officials.

Wike during the yuletide went round Rivers State, pulling the tables down on whoever he disagreed with, particularly the state Governor, Fubara; the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, among others.

In a disclosure, Governor Fubara said that the whole upheaval has to do with Wike's demand for Rivers money, but the Governor declared that he will not yield to demands to hand over the ₦700 billion, representing 35% of the state’s IGR to anyone, sparking a heated power struggle with Wike. 

Fubara’s stance has polarized opinions, with some viewing it as an unreasonable move, while others see it as a bold assertion of control over the state’s resources. The dispute has raised concerns about the welfare of Rivers State citizens, with 4.4 million people living in multidimensional poverty.

The feud between Fubara and Wike, who unilaterally chose Fubara as his successor, has escalated into violent confrontations, defections, and legal battles. Wike has threatened to make Rivers State “ungovernable” if Fubara doesn’t comply, while his supporters have vowed to “deal with” Fubara.

In response, Fubara has warned that he won’t be intimidated, saying “Rivers State is not a playground” and that he’s prepared to defend the state’s interests. His supporters have also threatened to mobilize protests against Wike and his allies.

The crisis has paralyzed governance, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The situation remains tense, with both sides digging in. The outcome will have significant implications for Rivers State and Nigerian politics.

The dispute highlights concerns about godfatherism in Nigerian politics and its impact on governance. Wike has accused Fubara of being ungrateful, while Fubara sees Wike’s demands as an attempt to undermine his authority.