Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has opened up on what led to the protracted tiff between him and his political benefactor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike is the control of the resources of the state.

Though the governor was indirect as he did not mention Wike’s name, it was however apparent that he was referring to the minister.

Speaking during the 51st birthday ceremony of the founder of Omega Power Ministry, Chibuzor Chinyere in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the embattled governor said:

“There is a reason for this crisis, and that reason is the control of the resources of Rivers State,” Mr Fubara said on Sunday, ending the notion that the former allies are fighting over the control of the political structure in the oil-rich state.

“Rivers State resources belong to you, and we will make sure that the resources are applied judiciously for the betterment of Rivers State,” Mr Fubara remarked at the 51st birthday ceremony of the founder of Omega Power Ministry, Chibuzor Chinyere in Port Harcourt.

“What you owe us is just one thing – continue to pray for us. Let us not lose focus because we know the devil is always at war to derail people in governance,” Governor Fubara told the congregants, which included Nigeria’s former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, and former Senate President and chairperson of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara.

With his disclosure, Governor Fubara corroborated his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie’s explanation which was made about six months ago on the similar issue.

Mr Ehie had, at a thanksgiving service in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state for Mr Fubara’s victory at the Supreme Court, said the problem of the state began when a few political leaders sought exclusive control of the state’s resources.

Mr Ehie had warned that Governor Fubara was “capable of teaching his opponents a political lesson”.

“The problem we have in the state is that 11 persons said they will control the resources of Rivers State. These 11 persons called 20 others to allocate resources to themselves,” Mr Ehie had said without disclosing the identities of the persons.

The smouldering crisis first emerged in October 2023 when the state House of Assembly attempted to impeach Governor Fubara. The attempt was thwarted leading to monumental conflict that has defied amicable resolution.