The director of research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Femi Otubanjo, has lamented that the situation of embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remains one of the most surprising developments in Nigeria’s political landscape.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Otubanjo shared his thoughts during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday.
He also criticised the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the political affairs of Rivers State and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He warned that Fubara’s treatment in the just-concluded APC primary poses political danger to President Bola Tinubu.
Otubanjo further argued that Wike, who is not an APC member, appears to be dictating political activities within the ruling party in Rivers State.
The research director warned that the current political arrangement in Rivers State could harm Tinubu politically, insisting that Wike was pursuing his personal agenda rather than the president’s.
He said: “The treatment of Fubara must be one of the American wonders of Nigerian politics. Fubara has been badly treated. We have a situation in which Nyesom Wike, who is not even in the APC, is taking the primary decision in the APC. I hope the tactical team of President Bola Tinubu is not sleeping.
“The reality is that what they have done is very dangerous for Tinubu. What has emerged in Rivers today is that Wike is pursuing his own agenda, not Tinubu’s agenda inspite of PBAT and all of that combination.”
“If Wike really wants to pursue Tinubu’s agenda, he must retain Fubara.”