Rivers crisis could hurt Tinubu politically — Otubanjo warns

The Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Femi Otubanjo, has said that the way Siminalayi Fubara was treated during the recent All Progressives Congress primaries could create political problems for President Bola Tinubu.

Otubanjo made the statement on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show. He also criticised the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the politics of Rivers State and the APC.

According to him, the situation involving Fubara is one of the most surprising developments in Nigerian politics.

Otubanjo said it was strange that Wike, who is not a member of the APC, appears to have strong influence over decisions in the party in Rivers State.

He warned that the current political situation in Rivers State could become a problem for Tinubu, adding that Wike seems to be pursuing his personal political interests rather than working for the president.

In his words:

“The treatment of Fubara is one of the biggest surprises in Nigerian politics. Fubara has been badly treated. We now have a situation where Nyesom Wike, who is not even in the APC, is influencing major decisions in the party in Rivers State.

“I hope President Tinubu’s political team is paying attention because this situation is dangerous for him politically.

“What is happening in Rivers State shows that Wike is pursuing his own agenda and not Tinubu’s agenda.

If Wike truly wants to support Tinubu, then he should ensure that Fubara remains politically relevant.”