Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has officially approved the construction of a modern psychiatric hospital in Obi Akpor Local Government Area, which notably is the home LGA of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Fubara’s estranged political godfather. This move comes amid increasing tensions between the two political figures, with Fubara making remarks that indicate the facility will be essential for the people of the area in the near future. Fubara’s statement has raised eyebrows, given the ongoing political friction between him and Wike, who once played a significant role in Fubara’s rise to power.
The governor’s comments come against the backdrop of disagreements between him and Wike regarding the governance of Rivers State. Fubara’s decision to build the psychiatric hospital in Obi Akpor is being seen by many as a symbolic statement, especially as Wike has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Fubara’s leadership. Wike has accused Fubara of neglecting the supporters who helped him secure his current position as governor, leading to a widening rift between the two political figures. The tension between Wike and Fubara has been a topic of intense discussion within the political circles of Rivers State.
GistReel reports that the ongoing political friction between Wike and Fubara has reached new heights as both leaders continue to criticize each other’s actions and policies. The situation has drawn significant public interest, especially as Wike, known for his confrontational style, has not held back in his accusations against Fubara. The minister has repeatedly claimed that the governor has abandoned key allies and supporters who played crucial roles in his electoral success. Wike’s discontent with Fubara’s administration seems to stem from the belief that he has been sidelined and his influence diminished within the state’s political landscape.
Speaking at a reception organized by the Ijaw Peoples Assembly in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike issued a defiant statement, boasting that when the time is right, he would teach Fubara and his supporters a significant lesson in politics. Wike’s comments reflect his belief that his political dominance in the state is far from over, and he remains confident in his ability to shape the future of Rivers State’s politics. He dismissed Fubara’s recent initiatives as lacking substance, implying that true political skill and capacity would be required to outmaneuver him and his faction.
In his speech, Wike said: “Imagine in Rivers they are contemplating of APP. It is not about money. Money does not move. You can have all the money but if there is no capacity, there is no capacity. All the things you see are people envious of our growth. We have defeated them several times, and if the opportunity comes again, we will defeat them. We have not started politics, when the time comes, we will play politics. Our job is politics. Tell them to keep their party ready. We will teach them what is called politics.”
However, Fubara, in a measured but firm response during the Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service organized as part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Celebration, pushed back against Wike’s criticism. Speaking at St. Paul’s Cathedral of the Anglican Communion at Garrison Junction in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the governor highlighted his achievements within his first year in office, contrasting them with Wike’s performance over eight years. Fubara stressed that his administration’s projects and accomplishments were already proving more substantial than those of his critics.
He reminded the audience of several key projects under his leadership, stating: “They even say they don’t know what we are doing. Let me remind them, it is Fubara that signed the paper to borrow from Zenith Bank the N200 billion for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. So, it is my project. It is Fubara that awarded the Trans-Kalabari Road that they couldn’t do. They did only a bridge from Krakrama, but I am the one doing it: the complete span, and it is N225 billion. I didn’t borrow.”
Fubara continued, pointing out that his administration had initiated the construction of a General Hospital, which would also include a psychiatric unit. He further elaborated, saying, “It is this same Fubara that is building a General Hospital, which I also included a Psychiatric Hospital because they will need it very soon. So, tell them that what I did in one year is what they did in eight years. It is only an empty container that makes noise.”
He closed his remarks with a message of determination and humility, emphasizing that his efforts were for the benefit of the people of Rivers State and not for any personal gain. Fubara said: “If God has given you the opportunity, eat your plantain and keep quiet. God will continue to give us the strength to do the best for our people, without fear.”
He also took a subtle dig at Wike’s business interests, stating: “Very soon, you will see what we are doing. It is not about doing roads to your business interest. I don’t have any business interest. Whatever I am doing, I am doing it for the people of Rivers State. We will not take any decision that we cannot defend. We won’t be part of anything that will bring any form of disgrace to our dear state.”
Fubara concluded by reinforcing the importance of Rivers State to him and his administration, saying: “This State is important to us. It is the only thing that we have. It is the beautiful pride. That is why they are struggling, coupled with the improvement in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) we have done. That is why they are struggling, we know. But do it with modesty, you don’t need to destroy the house.”