Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly acknowledged the crucial role of former governor and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, saying he would not have become governor without Wike’s backing. Speaking at an award ceremony in Lagos, Fubara dedicated his award to Wike, despite their past political clashes, signaling a possible move from confrontation to strategic accommodation.

Fubara described himself as choosing “weakness” for peace and political survival, suggesting that humility can be tactical in Nigerian state politics. Analysts note that such godfather-mentee relationships rarely end; they evolve, recalibrate, and influence power structures. Public praise of Wike could reduce hostilities, though the balance of executive and legislative power in Rivers State remains a crucial factor.

The intervention of President Bola Tinubu earlier in the Rivers political crisis showed how state-level conflicts can have national implications. Fubara’s conciliatory tone indicates that federal pressure may have reinforced the cost of prolonged conflict. Stability in Rivers affects not only local governance but also investor confidence and federal revenue flow.

While submission of commissioner nominees and softened rhetoric suggest incremental calm, analysts caution that reconciliation does not automatically restore institutional alignment. Long-term stability will depend on shared control of party structures, legislative influence, and preparations for upcoming electoral cycles. Fubara’s embrace of his political origin story highlights the enduring role of godfather politics in Nigeria, balancing governance with dependency.