Victor Ezeja
Identifying as brother to the two current political gladiators in Rivers State, Comrade Igbini Odafe has advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara to make peace with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who he described as the Governor’s best elder brother than anyone else.
In a chat with Prime Business Africa on Tuesday, Odafe revealed that Fubara has recently been under external pressures to act against his former boss, regretting that he has now allowed himself to be used by politicians within and outside the PDP who are “at war with Wike for choosing and delivering Fubara as Governor of Rivers State.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRivers State has been in political turmoil since on Monday when the state House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara, purportedly on the instructions of Wike.
A section of the Assembly complex had been gutted by fire the previous night. When Fubara visited the scene to inspect the level of damage, his convoy was shot at and teargassed by security operatives.
Reacting to the development, the Governor said he has not committed any offence to warrant his impeachment, asserting that he is ready to die over the political situation in the state.
Weighing in on the face-off, Odafe advised the Governor to “retrace his steps and return to that Room where he and his former boss, Wike, often privately meet to discuss issues together,” describing the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory as someone who listens and accepts superior arguments.
When asked if it was indeed true that Wike decided who got what in Fubara’s government, the mutual friend of both men responded, “Yes, it is true that Wike influenced the first set of Critical Appointments made by Gov. Fubara and the reason for doing so is to ensure continuity of the Good Works they began under Wike.
“It is for the overall good and progress of Rivers State. They (the appointees) are the people who helped Wike to achieve the enviable outstanding Performance that Nigerians are so proud of.
“Did President Tinubu not bring on board to the federal government, many of those who were members of his success story as Governor and Leader of Lagos State?” Odafe asked.
He went on to explain that Wike, based on his perfect understanding of the murky nature of Nigerian politics, has developed a unique survival strategy, and “won’t tolerate anyone who, having voluntarily agreed to be part of his political family and survival strategy, attempts to do otherwise.”
The comrade pointed out that this disposition is what critics misunderstand and make them accuse Wike of being a dictator or domineering.
