The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the political crisis between him and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara began after the governor attempted to distance himself from the political structure that supported his emergence in office.

Speaking during a media briefing on Saturday, Wike said Fubara’s decision to establish what he described as an independent political structure shortly after assuming office signalled that “something was fundamentally wrong.”

Responding to a question on whether Fubara’s mistake was trying to “do it himself,” Wike replied in the affirmative.

“Yes, and try to set up his own structure against the one that built him. It’s too early.

“In fact, it did not take up to 100 days, and we saw it. We said something must be fundamentally wrong,” the former Rivers State governor said.

Wike also dismissed longstanding allegations that he demanded money from Fubara, describing the claims as a usual political narrative used to gain public sympathy whenever disagreements arise.

“You know, in politics, the moment you disagree on an issue, the only thing you can use to get the support of the people is that they are asking me for money,” he said.

The statements offer fresh insight into Wike’s perspective on the protracted political rift that has divided Rivers State since Fubara assumed office in 2023.

The dispute, which has drawn national attention, has been marked by power struggles, legal battles, and divisions within the state’s political establishment.

While Wike maintains that the disagreement stemmed from issues of political loyalty and structure, supporters of Governor Fubara have consistently argued that the governor is entitled to exercise his independent constitutional authority.