Has Wike Bent Fubara?

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State started his tenure with a fierce and bold stance, refusing to be controlled by political forces around him. He openly defied his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the FCT. He stood his ground when the Rivers State Assembly, dominated by Wike’s loyalists, turned against him. He remained defiant even when attempts were made to impeach him. At one point, he was physically restricted from entering the assembly complex to present the budget, yet he insisted that if the lawmakers wanted it, they would have to take it from him directly.

But now, something seems different. The same Governor Fubara who once fought so hard is now taking a much calmer approach. He has accepted the Supreme Court’s ruling that reinstated the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike—lawmakers who had earlier defected and were considered politically irrelevant in the state’s governance. By adhering to this verdict, Fubara has allowed these pro-Wike legislators to reclaim their positions in the assembly, effectively restoring a power structure that once opposed him.

Not only that, but Fubara has also reportedly made peace with some of Wike’s loyalists. He has softened his words, adjusted his approach, and avoided direct confrontations. Even when the pro-Wike lawmakers recently locked him out of the assembly complex as he attempted to present the 2025 budget, he did not react as aggressively as many expected. Instead, he maintained a calm posture, insisting that he had followed due process.

This raises an important question: What changed?

Has Fubara Been Bent by Wike’s Influence?

One possible explanation for Fubara’s sudden calmness is that he may be feeling the weight of Wike’s influence. Wike is known for his deep political connections and strong grip on power. As the FCT Minister and a key figure in national politics, he still holds significant influence over Rivers State. Many believe that the pressure from Wike and his loyalists has forced Fubara to adjust his stance, making him more willing to compromise rather than continue an open battle.

If this is the case, then it means Fubara has realized that standing alone in Rivers politics is a dangerous path. He may have chosen survival over defiance, recognizing that a prolonged fight with Wike could destabilize his government and weaken his ability to govern effectively.

Or Is This a New Political Strategy?

On the other hand, this new approach could be part of a bigger political game. Could Fubara be playing the long game, pretending to give in while secretly working on a new strategy? Some analysts believe he might be quietly restructuring his own power base, allowing the opposition to feel comfortable before making his next move. By accepting the reinstated lawmakers and softening his stance, he may be trying to create the appearance of unity while keeping his true intentions hidden.

Politics, after all, is about timing. Perhaps Fubara understands that fighting too many battles at once could lead to his downfall. Instead of wasting energy on immediate confrontations, he might be choosing patience, waiting for the right moment to assert his control in a more effective way.

Or Is This Just a Governor Choosing Peace Over Conflict?

There is also the possibility that Fubara is simply tired of endless political battles. Leadership comes with its pressures, and sometimes, making peace is more beneficial than staying in a fight. Maybe he has decided that his focus should be on governance, not political wars. Accepting court rulings, avoiding unnecessary confrontations, and choosing diplomacy over aggression might just be his way of ensuring stability in Rivers State.

But the big question remains: Is Fubara truly in control of his decisions, or is he being subtly pushed into submission? Is this a sign of a governor evolving into a more strategic leader, or is it evidence that he is slowly being bent by the same forces he once resisted?

Only time will tell.

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