By: Bayero Ade
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has criticised Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, for his failure to resolve the ongoing political tensions in the state.
Speaking at the birthday celebration of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt on Friday, Akpabio questioned Fubara’s inability to secure the support of lawmakers in the state, particularly those loyal to Wike.
As the Special Guest of Honour, Akpabio drew from his experience as the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, stressing the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the state legislature. He emphasised that governors who fail to manage their House of Assembly are politically vulnerable.
“As a governor, my primary concern was always my House of Assembly,” Akpabio said. “I maintained a close relationship with my Speaker to ensure alignment. Any governor who cannot manage the legislature is politically vulnerable.”
Akpabio further criticised Fubara for not leveraging the state’s resources to gain support from dissenting lawmakers, hinting at weaknesses in the governor’s political strategy. He also expressed concern about the growing culture of betrayal in Nigerian politics, which he believes undermines governance and stifles effective succession planning.
On leadership continuity, Akpabio remarked, “For governance to thrive, successors should not focus on dismantling the achievements of their predecessors. Sustainable leadership is about building on and maintaining progress.”
The event, organised by NEW Associates, a political group named after Wike’s initials, also featured a lecture by House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere. However, Akpabio critiqued the lecture for failing to address the issue of sustainable governance.
Wike, in his address, expressed appreciation to NEW Associates and other attendees, brushing off criticisms directed at him. He reiterated his focus on delivering results, stressing that criticism would not derail his efforts.
“I stay focused on achieving results,” Wike said. “Criticism doesn’t concern me. What matters is making Nigerians proud through tangible accomplishments. The best way to silence critics is through performance.”
The former Rivers governor also expressed satisfaction with his support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising that his focus remains on governance and development, particularly in the FCT.
“When the time for politics comes, we will address it. For now, it’s all about delivering impactful projects,” Wike concluded.
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