The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has refuted claims that his emergence as Governor of Rivers State in 2015 was orchestrated by certain political leaders in the state.
while acknowledging the support he received from some quarters, Wike emphasized that his rise to power was the result of his own efforts and determination.
Speaking during a civic reception held in Port Harcourt on Friday to honor loyal Rivers State politicians, Wike drew a sharp contrast between his political journey and that of the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, whom he claimed to have single-handedly installed as governor.
Wike’s comments come amid resurfaced videos on social media showing Nigeria’s former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, allegedly endorsing him to former Governor Peter Odili and other Rivers State political leaders as a preferred successor to then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi. These videos have reignited debates about Wike’s political rise and his relationship with Rivers State’s key power brokers.
The remarks also follow a verbal exchange between Wike and Odili, sparked by the ongoing political crisis in the state. The dispute has pitted Wike against Fubara, with Odili publicly aligning with the latter, a move Wike has criticized as divisive.
Dismissing the notion that his governorship was a gift, Wike said:
“You didn’t give me [the position]. To be Governor of Rivers State in 2014, I fought for the party structure. I took it from Magnus Abe—yes, I did. So you can’t say you made me Governor.”
He acknowledged the support he received but maintained that his success was ultimately self-driven:
“Nobody can say, ‘I brought Wike; I dashed you.’ It would be unfair to me, and to Almighty God, to say nobody supported me. You need people’s support, but not to say you gave me.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife Patience Jonathan, and Peter Odili are widely believed to have played critical roles in Wike’s rise to power. At the time, Wike had served as Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and later as Minister of State for Education under Jonathan. However, Amaechi’s fallout with the Jonathans led them to back Wike as his successor.
The political tension between Wike and Odili has escalated, with Wike accusing Odili of failing to mediate the crisis between him and Fubara. Wike believes Odili should act as a neutral elder statesman rather than taking sides.
“Odili should have played the role of a father figure. Instead, he chose to align with Governor Fubara. This has further fueled the divide,” Wike lamented.
Wike’s assertions reflect his effort to solidify his legacy as a self-made leader while addressing the political turbulence in Rivers State. His claim of making Fubara governor underscores his influence in the state’s political landscape but also reveals the fragility of alliances within the ruling class.
As the crisis deepens, it remains to be seen whether the key players will reconcile or if the rift will further impact the state’s political future.