Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has stated that he will not recommend commissioners to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. This decision comes as Governor Fubara resumes office following a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu in March. The emergency rule was declared due to a prolonged political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, which many attributed to Wike’s alleged imposition of political appointees on the governor.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike emphasized that he has no intention of imposing his preferences on the governor, giving him a free hand to manage the affairs of Rivers State. He noted that suggesting commissioners would be an imposition, and he has no candidates to propose. Wike pledged to allow Governor Fubara to govern the state as he sees fit, even if the governor seeks his input.

Wike recounted his efforts to maintain stability in the state, saying he left Rivers in a competitive position with other states like Lagos. He advised Governor Fubara to build on this foundation, moving forward without dropping the progress made. The Minister clarified that there is no law requiring the governor to resume work immediately after the emergency rule ends, and Governor Fubara’s schedule and plans are unknown.

Governor Fubara was expected to resume office on Thursday but failed to appear at the Government House, dispersing a large crowd that had gathered in anticipation. Despite this, Wike’s assurance of a free hand to the governor signals a potential shift in their working relationship, allowing Governor Fubara to take the reins and make decisions for the state’s development. As Rivers State transitions out of emergency rule, the focus will be on how Governor Fubara navigates the state’s affairs and whether Wike’s pledge of non-interference will hold, impacting the state’s future trajectory.