Former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, has publicly challenged the assertion made by Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, that he is the political leader and '001' of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. Fayose made these remarks during an exclusive interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, January 13.
Lagos Example Used to Challenge Leadership Claims
Fayose drew a direct comparison to the political situation in Lagos State to bolster his argument. He insisted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos cannot rightly claim to be the political leader of the state. According to Fayose, that ultimate authority rests with President Bola Tinubu, who previously served as governor of Lagos and continues to wield significant influence.
"The president that I know hates ingratitude. He controls Lagos from the palms of his hands," Fayose stated emphatically. To illustrate his point, he referenced the recent impeachment and subsequent reinstatement of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He described the reversal as clear evidence of Tinubu's overriding power in the state's affairs.
Fayose elaborated, "For instance, the speaker was impeached, and another person took over in Lagos State. The president, without saying a word, caused the system to restore that Speaker because it’s an affront to the President, who is the leader." He then posed a rhetorical question: "Will you tell me Sanwo-Olu is the leader in Lagos? Let him come out and say he’s the leader in the state."
Emergency Rule a 'Lifeline' for Fubara
Shifting focus back to Rivers State, Fayose characterized the declaration of a state of emergency there as a major political victory for Governor Fubara. He suggested that without this intervention, Fubara's tenure might have already been terminated.
"The emergency rule was all-winning for Governor Fubara because by now he would have been history," Fayose claimed. "The moment you’re impeached, you are out of the way and can’t contest."
He interpreted President Tinubu's actions in the Rivers crisis as a stern lesson for the governor. "If you read the contest of President Tinubu, he took Governor Fubara to the cleaners, and it’s time for Governor Fubara to learn, the way I learnt after my first tenure as governor," Fayose added, drawing from his own political experiences.
Rooted in a Protracted Political Feud
These comments from the former Ekiti governor emerge against the backdrop of a prolonged and intense political rivalry in Rivers State. The conflict is primarily between Governor Sim Fubara and his immediate predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The struggle centers on who holds control over the political structure and machinery in Rivers State.
Fayose's analysis injects a national perspective into this local power tussle, framing it within the broader context of godfatherism and the hierarchical nature of power within Nigerian political parties, particularly the APC. His remarks underscore the complex dynamics where sitting governors may still be subject to the influence of powerful party leaders and former officeholders.
