Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, Nigeria, has stated that he would not have inaugurated road projects in Obio Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) if he were motivated by malice. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike, who hails from the LGA.
Speaking at the inauguration of Okocha Road in the Rumuolumeni community of Obio Akpor, Fubara emphasized that governance transcends personal loyalties. “If I was an evil person, I wouldn’t come here, considering the nature and location of this place,” Fubara said. “But as a government, our duty is to provide services, protect lives, and make our people happy.”
The strained relationship between Fubara and Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, began shortly after Fubara assumed office. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to mediate, the conflict has escalated, including an alleged attempt to bomb the state House of Assembly and the defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike previously served as Obio Akpor’s chairman from 1999 to 2007 and remains a significant political figure in
Rivers State. Fubara’s comments underline his commitment to governance despite the ongoing political rift.
