Wike rules out picking commissioners for Fubara, says Rivers can now compete with Lagos

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed suggestions that he plans to influence the composition of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet as Rivers State returns to democratic governance after six months of emergency rule.

President Bola Tinubu had imposed emergency rule in March following a prolonged political standoff between Wike and his successor, which many critics linked to allegations that the former governor attempted to handpick appointees for Fubara.

But appearing on Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, Wike made it clear he has no intention of recommending anyone for commissioner positions, stressing that the governor must be allowed full independence.

“I cannot go and impose anything on the governor. Why would I impose anything on the governor? Assuming I go to the governor and say, ‘I want this,’ will the state collapse? I will not (suggest commissioners for the governor). I have no candidate, and I will not,” Wike declared.

He further noted that even if Governor Fubara reaches out to him for guidance, his response will remain the same — granting the governor free rein to run the affairs of the state.

“Even if the governor comes to me now and says, ‘we have agreed we want to work together’ which is natural, I will say ‘look, I give you free hand, you know how you want for the state,’” Wike explained.

“All I would want to say, I know what I did and what I have done to keep this thing to this level, don’t drop it, move ahead. As I speak to you, I left the state where we can compete favourably with Lagos,” he added.