By: Joy Musa
In a revealing interview, Chief Anabs, a respected elder statesman from Rivers State, has shed light on the tensions that led to a rift between former Governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The issue, according to Fubara, stemmed from Wike’s demand for ₦6 billion monthly from the state’s allocation, which Fubara deemed unsustainable.
Fubara, in his statement, explained that when Wike left office, the state’s revenue was consistently ₦12 billion. However, under Fubara’s leadership, the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had risen to ₦25 billion, marking a significant increase in the state’s financial capacity. Despite this progress, Fubara claimed that Wike continued to demand ₦6 billion of the state’s IGR, which would leave the state with only ₦6 billion for development and other essential needs.
“I told him ₦6 billion was too much; if we did that, we would have nothing left,” Fubara said, recounting the tension. “That was where our problem started.”
Chief Anabs’ account confirms Fubara’s version, with both parties highlighting the financial strain that such demands would have imposed on the state’s resources. This financial disagreement is believed to have been a key point of contention between the two leaders, especially as Fubara sought to stabilize and expand Rivers State’s fiscal standing.
The conflict underscores the challenges of managing the state’s finances, particularly as it balances internal revenue generation with the need to fulfill obligations to various stakeholders.
As the situation unfolds, many are keenly watching the relationship between the two figures and its impact on the future of Rivers State’s governance. For now, it appears that the fiscal dispute remains a significant issue, one that continues to shape the political landscape of the state.
