Tension Rises as Shettima Awkwardly Nudges Fubara to Greet Wike During Meeting with Tinubu
In a moment fraught with tension, Rivers State Governor Siminalaye Fubara faced an awkward encounter when Vice President Kashim Shettima nudged him to greet his predecessor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, during a meeting with political heavyweight Bola Tinubu.
Once political allies, Wike and Fubara’s relationship soured following a disagreement over the governance of Rivers State. The rift between them has escalated into a political crisis, with President Tinubu intervening to broker peace, albeit with limited success.
The awkward incident unfolded during a high-stakes gathering attended by over 27 governors, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi, Vice President Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, and other government officials. As the meeting commenced, Fubara approached Shettima and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, with the intention of greeting them.
However, Shettima, in a seemingly calculated move, redirected Fubara’s attention to Wike, who was seated nearby, prompting a moment of discomfort for the Rivers Governor. Fubara’s reaction, captured in video footage, hinted at the underlying tension between him and his predecessor.
The strained relationship between Wike and Fubara stems from differences in governance philosophy, with the latter accusing his political benefactor of overbearing and dictatorial behavior in managing the affairs of the state. Their feud escalated to the point of violence, resulting in the bombing and subsequent demolition of the state House Assembly building.
Despite attempts at reconciliation, including Tinubu’s intervention, signs of lingering animosity persist, casting doubt on the prospects of lasting peace between the two political heavyweights.
As the political landscape in Rivers State remains volatile, Fubara’s awkward encounter serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated divisions and power struggles within the region’s political elite.
