It is no longer news that Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara is at war with with his former boss and immediate past governor of the state and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The two of them have been at daggers drawn just a couple of months into Fubara's assumption of office last year and it has been a messy affair to say the very least. The supporters of both parties never let an opportunity to go at each other pass them by whenever they collide.
But close watchers of the ongoing conflict have observed that, despite the intensity of their rivalry, Governor Fubara has never for once mentioned Nyesom Wike's name in public. He has never dared to call him by name. Even when he is provoked by the scathing remarks and criticisms hurled at him by Wike, Fubara, in response never mentions his name. The closest he ever gets to calling his name is by referring to Wike as 'my Oga' or 'the former governor,' or at other times, 'my boss.' He never calls his name.
It is evident that Fubara is still in awe of the man who single handedly picked him up and installed him as the Executive Governor of the oil rich state of Rivers. At the time the governorship elections were approaching last year and PDP needed to pick its candidate, there were bigger names, more prominent and popular politicians that many thought would get Wike's blessings to become the next governor of Rivers state. But he shocked everyone when he picked Fubara, who at the time was under investigation by the EFFC as the Accountant General of the state and was actually invited for questioning by the EFFC but refused to honour the invitation. In fact, he was staying in Wike's governor's quarters to evade EFFC arrest. Wike shielded him and protected him from the EFFC sharks who were lurking patiently to nab him.
Fubara, no doubt, still has tremendous respect and perhaps some measure of fear for the man who made him who he is today. There have been in circulation pictures of Fubara on his knees thanking Wike profusely for making him governor of Rivers state. Lets face it, Fubara literally worshipped the ground on which Wike walked before things fell apart between the two former allies. This is a man who would probably stand with his heart beating hard against his chest should he come face to face with Wike tomorrow. This is how much he still holds Wike in high esteem. This is how much he still fears him. This is why it will take a lot of guts for Fubara to come to the public and in his moment of anger, call Wike by name. It may never happen!
WALE LAWAL (08037209290)
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