As the ongoing feud between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his former political protégé, Governor Sim Fubara, nears a year, an old news report has resurfaced, showcasing Wike’s earlier stance on godfatherism and his advice to Lagos State’s former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. The resurfacing of Wike’s past remarks is drawing fresh attention, especially in light of his current political conflict with Fubara, whom he played a key role in making governor.
In the throwback report, Wike, while serving as Rivers State Governor, criticized the role of political godfathers, specifically calling out the influence of then Lagos State godfather, now-President Bola Tinubu. Speaking in Port Harcourt in 2018, Wike had urged Ambode to resist the pressure from Tinubu, encouraging him to focus on his responsibilities as governor and promote the interest of Lagos State over any godfather’s demands.
Rivers State Is Not Lagos – Wike’s Old Video Kicking Against Godfatherism Emerge
“If it is correct that the godfather is against Ambode, I will tell him to resist it. I will tell him to promote the interest of his state. Godfatherism is not good. It negates development. No more godfather politics in Rivers State. We are not in Lagos State. Rivers State will not accept godfatherism,” Wike had said, clearly stating his opposition to the culture of godfatherism in politics.
Wike also took the opportunity to highlight his achievements in Rivers State, emphasizing that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was dominant in the state and that no external influence, such as godfatherism, would hinder its progress.
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His position back then is now being scrutinized as Wike finds himself embroiled in a political conflict with Sim Fubara, a governor who owes his rise to Wike’s political machinery. The once-mentor is now locked in a bitter feud with Fubara, with many drawing parallels between Wike’s past advocacy against godfatherism and his current efforts to maintain control over Rivers State politics.
The throwback also revealed that Wike had dismissed rumors that he was eyeing a vice-presidential position in 2018. During an interview on The Osasu Show, he stated, “There are aspirants who have promised me the position of vice president, but I said I will not seek the position. Not even in the dream will I seek that position at this point.”
Wike’s stance back then reflected his deep focus on maintaining the political independence of Rivers State, free from external influences. He had expressed concern about presidential aspirants who he believed were undermining collective decisions, including the hosting of the PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt, a move that was met with opposition from certain quarters.
As tensions between Wike and Fubara continue to escalate, this resurfaced 2018 report paints a complex picture of Wike’s political evolution. Once a staunch opponent of godfatherism, Wike now faces accusations of trying to assert control over Rivers State politics, a position that mirrors the same dynamics he once vehemently criticized.
Click HERE to watch Wike speaking against godfatherism.
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