The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he broke down in tears after reviewing speeches made by suspended Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, about him.

Speaking during his monthly press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike expressed deep emotional distress over what he described as betrayal by his former protégé.

"When I go back in my quiet moments, I play the video of speeches of the governor (Fubara), what he said; what he did to me; I weep," Wike disclosed.

The former Rivers State governor lamented the turn of events, questioning the necessity of the conflict. "Was it necessary? This was somebody who brought you, gave you food, gave you everything, did this for you, and then you became a tool for his enemies to fight him," he added.

Background of the Rivers Crisis

Wike, who served as Rivers State governor for two terms, was instrumental in Fubara's emergence as his successor in 2023, despite significant opposition from various stakeholders in the state.

However, shortly after Fubara assumed office, a political crisis erupted between the duo, with both camps locked in a fierce battle for control of the state's political structure.

The prolonged power tussle severely affected governance in Rivers State, ultimately leading President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency for six months. The presidential intervention resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly, with a sole administrator appointed to oversee the state's affairs.

Recent developments indicate that Fubara had made attempts at reconciliation by visiting Wike, though Monday's comments from the FCT Minister suggest the rift remains significant.

The Rivers crisis represents one of Nigeria's most prominent political conflicts in recent times, with implications for governance, party politics, and federal-state relations.