Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has claimed that the ongoing tension between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State is rooted in a dispute over Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Speaking on a podcast by Glitch Africa Studio, The Honest Bunch, Adeyanju explained that the rivalry between the two leaders began when Fubara’s administration began reporting a significantly higher IGR compared to Wike’s. According to Adeyanju, while Wike declared N11 billion in IGR during his tenure as governor, Fubara is now declaring N27 billion. “Wike is fighting Fubara because about a year ago, he was declaring N11 billion as IGR. The same Fubara is declaring N27 billion and you say they should not fight?” Adeyanju stated.
The activist lawyer also took aim at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of political bias. He likened INEC to a political party and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Adeyanju suggested that the commission’s actions are heavily influenced by political interests, claiming, “If you give INEC water, they will turn it into wine, there is nothing INEC can’t do; what INEC can’t do does not exist.” He further emphasized, “INEC is a political party and the current INEC is APC.”
Adeyanju’s remarks shed light on the political dynamics surrounding the leadership in Rivers State and offer a pointed critique of INEC’s neutrality. The rift between Wike and Fubara, once political allies, continues to unfold amid growing tensions within the state’s political landscape.
