‘If there’s nothing in it, don’t struggle’ — Fubara, Akpabio differ on quest for power at Wigwe’s burial

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have differed on the quest for power. 

During the funeral of Herbert Wigwe, the late group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Fubara questioned the intentions behind political struggles and rivalries which he said “sometimes lead to deaths”.

“This one has to do with our political class. What is all this struggle all about? You want to kill, you want to bury. What is it all about?” the Rivers governor asked.

Fubara has been involved in a running battle with Nyesom Wike, his predecessor, over the control of political structures in Rivers state.

When making remarks at the event, Akpabio recalled his experience in 2006 when he aspired to become the deputy governor of Akwa Ibom state.

The senate president recounted a conversation he had with the then-incumbent deputy governor, who he said discouraged him from vying for the position because the office has no “financial benefits.”

“I will answer you. We are not talking politics. In 2006, I wanted to become the deputy governor and the then deputy governor invited me and this office has no money, there is nothing in it. I don’t know why you still insist on removing me from here and take over,” Akpabio recalled.

“So, a woman who went with me said Your Excellency, don’t wait for impeachment, just resign since there is nothing in it

“He stood up and started punching the woman. I said Your Excellency, don’t punch the woman, she is telling the truth, there is nothing in it. That’s why I want it because you are too big for it.

“Your Excellency, Governor Fubara, if there is nothing in the struggle, don’t struggle.”

The late Wigwe was buried alongside his wife Chizoba, and Chizi, his son, in his home town, Ikwerre LGA of Rivers state.

In February, Wigwe, his wife and son as well as Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), were involved in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border.

All six passengers on board died.