REWIND: ‘Godfatherism isn’t good’ — in 2018, Wike advised Ambode to resist Tinubu’s influence

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), once advised Akinwunmi Ambode, former Lagos governor, to reject godfatherism in his state.

In a September 2018 interview on The Osasu Show, Wike, who was then Rivers governor, advised Ambode to prioritise Lagos’ interests over those of President Bola Tinubu, widely seen as Lagos’ political godfather.

Ambode failed to secure a second-term ticket as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as it became obvious that he had fallen out with Tinubu ahead of the 2019 election.

This, many believed, was mainly because of allegations that he abandoned the party structure put in place by Tinubu and even dumped some loyalists of the APC leader.

Ambode lost his second term bid as Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu’s anointed candidate, won the party’s ticket and the governorship election.

“If it is correct that the godfather is against Ambode, I will tell him (Ambode) to resist it. I will tell him to promote the interests of his state,” Wike said.

“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. My concern is to do well for Rivers state.”

Years later, a political clash between Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, over the control of Rivers state triggered a breakdown of law and order.

WIKE VS FUBARA

The rift between Wike and Fubara traces back to October 2023, when tensions flared over control of the state’s political machinery. Wike, as the outgoing governor of Rivers, had handpicked Fubara as his successor in the 2023 general election.

However, cracks emerged soon after Fubara’s inauguration, with the governor resisting Wike’s influence.

The situation escalated on October 29, 2023, when an attempt to impeach Fubara led to the demolition of the Rivers state house of assembly complex, an act Wike’s allies blamed on Fubara’s camp.

In December 2023, a peace pact brokered by Tinubu unravelled as both sides accused each other of breaches. Wike claimed Fubara abandoned those who supported his rise, while Fubara accused Wike of meddling, citing incidents like the minister’s alleged interference in local chieftaincy matters.

The crisis peaked on February 28, 2025, when the supreme court reinstated 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, tipping the balance against Fubara.

The assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, the speaker, accused Fubara of flouting court orders to re-present the 2025 budget and issued a misconduct notice against the governor on March 17.

Fubara’s efforts to meet legislative demands hit a wall, with allegations of being prevented from entering the house of assembly.

On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, pointing to the political unrest and risks to oil infrastructure as justification.

He then suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all assembly members for six months.

Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state during the emergency period.

Two days later, on March 20, the senate and house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s emergency declaration through voice vote.