A former Senator has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to step back and allow the governor of Rivers State to govern effectively.
John Azuta Mbata, who once represented Rivers East Constituency in the National Assembly, spoke out about the political tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister Nyesom Wike. Mbata believes the Minister should focus on his duties in Abuja rather than trying to exert influence over the state government from afar.
Mbata emphasized that Wike, as a minister, should prioritize his responsibilities in the federal capital and allow Fubara to do his job as governor in Rivers State. He argued that it is unrealistic for someone to simultaneously hold a federal position while trying to control the direction of a state government.
When asked about Wike’s role in the situation, Mbata urged him to continue doing well in his ministerial position and not interfere with Fubara’s governance. He added that his own allegiance remains with the Fubara government, citing the understanding that power rotates and now is the time for the new governor to demonstrate his capabilities.
Mbata also drew attention to his own involvement in Wike’s early political career, recalling how he helped install Wike as the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Council in 1998, despite facing opposition at the time.
