Governor Fubara contemplated resignation amid Wike rift, reveals Niger Delta leader

Amid the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, a former spokesperson for the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Anabs Sara-Igbe, disclosed on Saturday that Governor Sim Fubara had contemplated resigning from his position due to the escalating feud with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Sara-Igbe revealed that the intervention of some prominent chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prevented Fubara from tendering his resignation. The National Coordinator of the South-South Leadership Forum expressed concerns over Fubara’s perceived lack of full control over the state funds, asserting that Wike had linked the allocation from the Federation Account to specific projects.

In an interview with Channels Television, Sara-Igbe highlighted the challenges Fubara faces in managing the state, citing Wike’s strategic control over funds. He explained, “The money coming from the Federation Account, Wike tied the money to one project or the other. So, when the money comes, it goes to the banks, and they collect theirs from it and pay the contractors.”

Sara-Igbe further outlined the governor’s frustration in running the state without adequate resources and recounted the moment Fubara considered resignation in response to the minister’s hostility. The PDP elders, however, persuaded him not to resign, fearing potential complications.

The rift between Wike and Fubara has led to a political crisis in Rivers State, with 27 lawmakers defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Additionally, several commissioners resigned due to the intensifying face-off between the governor and Fubara. The situation has created a tumultuous political landscape, impacting both party affiliations and administrative stability in the state.