Fubara fails to attend Wike’s luncheon, while former commissioners express their loyalty to the FCT Minister

The long-standing feud between Rivers State Governor, Siminalaye Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, may have appeared to be resolved publicly with the intervention of President Bola Tinubu last December.

However, it seems that the camaraderie that once existed between the two political figures has not fully returned. This was evident when Governor Fubara was noticeably absent from a luncheon hosted by his predecessor in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

While Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, attended the event with many of his allies, Fubara and his supporters, including members of the House of Assembly and other government organs, were nowhere to be seen.

It remains unclear whether Fubara and his team were invited to the luncheon, but their absence was notable, and there was no mention of them sending delegates. Among those present at the event were Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and 24 other lawmakers who had switched parties from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Wike was accompanied by former governors Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as well as several commissioners and other political figures who had resigned from Fubara’s cabinet during the recent crisis.

The former commissioner for works expressed his admiration for Wike’s efforts in delivering Fubara from both the riverine and dry areas, putting an end to the people’s desires and protests. Alabo, however, criticized Fubara, stating that a river that forgets its source will eventually run dry. He directly addressed Wike, acknowledging his leadership in mobilizing his team to work tirelessly and achieve the desired outcome.

Alabo also commended Tinubu for his involvement in resolving the crisis, despite opposition from Fubara’s supporters who believed Tinubu’s position was forced upon the governor. Wike, on the other hand, asserted his authority over the state, implying that the people of Rivers would soon witness his control. In the midst of this, various groups organized solidarity marches in support of Fubara.