The Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Okocha, has released a statement on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He asserted that Nyesom Wike, the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a former governor of Rivers State, had essentially invested politically in Fubara.
Channels TV reported Okocha clarified that Wike's steadfast backing and direction had a major impact on Fubara's ascent to the governorship.
He emphasized that Fubara has looked up to Wike as a mentor and that Fubara would not be where he is now without Wike's support.
As the two politicians compete for control of the strategically important and resource-rich state, their relationship has recently been tense. They are in conflict today, both attempting to exert dominance despite their previous relationship.
The head of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, recently attempted to have Governor Fubara removed from office. This political ploy was perceived as a component of Wike and Fubara's larger power battle.
Fubara was able to effectively handle the issue and hold onto his governorship, which has further complicated the state's political environment.
Speaking, Tony Okocha remarked, "The feud between the governor and his mentor, Governor Fubara, is Wike’s political investment."
"From civil servant to the candidate of a party and delivering him in 23 local governments out of 23, the first in our history, all of these were Wike’s abilities to maneuver."
"The former governor has said, ‘I am not asking you for anything. I am only saying that you are destroying the structure that produced you."
"If you are a politician, no politician will allow his structure to be dismantled. When you do that, it means that you have no home to fall back on. That is the issue."