Abuja, February 15, 2024 – Vice President Kashim Shettima sparked a minor controversy on Thursday during a meeting between state governors and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa when he requested Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State to greet the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of simmering tensions between Wike and Fubara, who have been embroiled in a silent power struggle over the leadership of Rivers State.
The meeting, convened by President Tinubu, aimed to address pressing issues, including economic challenges and escalating insecurity across the nation. Service chiefs were also in attendance to deliberate on security concerns.
Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, has sought to maintain influence over the state’s political landscape despite assuming a ministerial role. This has led to friction with Governor Fubara, who represents the current administration in the state.
Despite efforts to broker a peace deal orchestrated by Tinubu, signs of discord persist between Wike and Fubara, signalling an ongoing rivalry between the two political figures.
The unexpected request from Vice President Shettima to facilitate a greeting between the rival governors underscores the underlying tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as leaders navigate competing interests and power dynamics amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and security challenges.
Watch the video here.
The Moment When Vice President Shettima kindly requests Governor Fubara to extend greetings to Wike during their meeting at the State House in Abuja. pic.twitter.com/oi0eJkM8oz
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) February 15, 2024
