Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, expressed his gratitude to his former mentor, Nyesom Wike, for the support extended to him after the Supreme Court affirmed his victory in the March 18, 2023 governorship election. Fubara, while acknowledging the assistance received, also thanked God and President Bola Tinubu for addressing internal political crises in his administration shortly after taking office.
It’s noteworthy that Fubara, despite current political differences with Nyesom Wike, specifically appreciated the former boss and current Minister of Federal Capital Territory.
The legal challenges to Fubara’s victory by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Patrick Tonye-Cole, and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) were unsuccessful at both the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court, on Thursday, also dismissed these petitions, citing lack of merit.
The strained relationship between Fubara and Wike emerged about five months into Fubara’s tenure, originating from Fubara’s alleged interference with the “political structure” established by Wike, which played a crucial role in Fubara’s electoral success.