Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has criticised the ongoing political rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing it as shameful.
Speaking during an interview on the ARISE News Breakfast Show on Tuesday, Fayose said Governor Fubara owed his political emergence to Wike and should not be challenging his influence in Rivers State politics.
According to Fayose, it was inappropriate for Fubara to be at loggerheads with Wike, whom he described as a political benefactor and dominant force in the state.
“It is shameful for Fubara to be struggling with Wike. Nobody can sack Wike from Rivers politics, just as nobody can sack me from Ekiti politics,” Fayose said.
Drawing from his experience as a former governor, Fayose stressed the importance of humility and respect for political elders, noting that occupying public office does not eliminate the need to defer to those who paved the way.
“As a governor, I was prostrating for people older than me. What does it take away from you?” he asked.
Fayose also dismissed the controversy over who controls the political structure in Rivers State, saying Fubara should not be bothered by Wike’s claim to leadership within the state’s political space.
“Even if Wike says he is the leader, Fubara should not be arguing with him. Who knew Fubara three years ago?” he said.
The former Ekiti governor further revealed that Wike played a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, recalling a conversation that highlighted Wike’s influence during the succession process.
“I was supporting Austin Okpara. Wike told me, ‘I know where you are going, but I am not going that way with you. I am supporting Fubara,’” Fayose recounted.
He said that decision shaped the outcome of the governorship race, describing Fubara at the time as “a governor in the making.”
“Wike made Fubara,” Fayose concluded.
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