By Olawale Lamina
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has revealed the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the 2027 governorship primaries is in tandem with a political peace agreement towards stabilising the state.
Wike stated this on Monday in a chat with journalists on the sidelines of the inspection of infrastructure projects in the federal capital.
The FCT minister revealed that what played out was in alignment with agreements reached during reconciliation moves bringing together key political actors in the state.
Recall that governor Fubara withdrew down from the APC governorship primaries, anchoring his stand on decision taken after consultations and in the interest of peace, unity, and stability of the state.
Fubara had, in a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” said the move followed careful reflection and discussions with family, allies, and associates.
On his part, Wike, who until recent development was governor Fubara’s political godfather stated that the withdrawal move by the governor was nothing to be seen as a happenchance, but an alignment with earlier agreements sealed during peace negotiations.
Wike, who is the incumbent’s predecessor stressed that part of the understanding included dropping impeachment threats against Fubara on the condition that he would not seek a second term.
Wike countered Fubara’s earlier decision to obtain nomination forms,disclosing that the move was contrary to the existing agreement, which consequence would have complicated reconciliation efforts.
Wike said: “I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term.”
He condemned Fubara’s earlier attempt at picking the nomination form, saying it “didn’t show signs of gentlemanship” despite several interventions aimed at restoring stability.
“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn and somebody has emerged,” he stated.
Wike on Kingsley Chinda’s candidacy
Wike also expressed confidence in (his loyalist) Chinda’s political credentials, describing the Rivers Assembly member is a suitable candidate for the governorship position.
“A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material,” Wike said, adding that, “He’s quite experienced. He has worked with the Executive and is now in the Legislature. I am sure that he must have been approached by the All Progressives Congress to join them and then get the ticket.”
About The Author
