Jake Epelle has raised concerns over the political implications of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following months of political tension between the two leaders.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV, Epelle said Fubara had every right to make personal decisions. However, he argued that such decisions become a matter of public interest when they affect the people who entrusted him with the mandate to govern and could have lasting consequences for the state.
He questioned whether the governor carefully considered the decision before making it or whether it was driven by political convenience or personal interest, adding that only time would reveal the true motive.
Epelle also alleged that Wike’s political influence in Rivers State remained strong, claiming that what he described as the continued control of the state’s political structure by the FCT minister and his loyalists was still ongoing.
Rejecting suggestions that his comments were motivated by tribal sentiments, Epelle insisted that was not the case.
He further claimed that there were plans to hand over the governorship mandate and the affairs of the state government to a cousin. Although he did not clearly identify who he was referring to in that part of his remarks, Epelle said he had nothing personal against the individual, describing the person as a good friend.
In his words, “It’s true that his intention is to hand over the Governorship mandate and the government to his cousin, who is a very good friend of mine; I have nothing against him.”
