Abe to Fubara: You Can’t Back Tinubu While Waging War Against Wike

 

Former senator representing Rivers South-East, Magnus Abe, has declared that no politician can genuinely profess loyalty to President Bola Tinubu while engaging in a political battle against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Abe made the assertion while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing him as Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), a development widely seen as a veiled response to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the lingering political crisis in the state.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Abe described President Tinubu as a leader who rewards loyalty and competence, pledging his continued allegiance to the President while acknowledging Wike’s pivotal political support.

Making a pointed reference to the Rivers political situation, Abe praised Wike’s role in mobilising support for Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, warning against ingratitude towards the FCT minister.

He said:

“Let me also thank the ‘001 of the Tinubu political family in Rivers State’, the FCT Minister — the man who did what no other politician has ever achieved — delivering Rivers State to Tinubu and the APC in one of the most difficult elections in Nigeria’s political history.

“No one can claim to love Mr President and be ungrateful to our ‘Mr Project’. His support at a critical moment was instrumental to our success and remains central to the strength of the Renewed Hope political family in Rivers State.”

Abe described President Tinubu as “a father who rewards genuine loyalty and promotes competence,” adding that he would remain steadfast in his support for the President.

According to him, the appointment offers him a unique opportunity to contribute to national development, particularly in the strategic petroleum sector.

“My appointment has not only given me the opportunity to contribute to the transformation of our country, especially in a key economic sector, but has once again demonstrated the President’s exceptional leadership and political acumen,” he said.

The former lawmaker also expressed deep personal appreciation to Wike, referring to him as “our Nyerishi,” and acknowledging his influence in his political journey.

“To my friend and brother, our Nyerishi, my family and I owe you a debt of gratitude beyond words. Thank you, sir,” Abe said.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s reform agenda, expressing optimism about the country’s economic direction.

“Ignore the naysayers, pay your taxes and support the reforms. The numbers are beginning to show that Nigeria is on the right path,” he added.

Abe and Wike have shared a long but complex political relationship in Rivers State, marked by alliances and rivalries. A former ally of ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Abe later aligned with Wike during the 2023 elections, playing a key role in mobilising support for Tinubu in Rivers State.

Since the President’s victory, Abe has increasingly identified with Wike’s political camp and the “Renewed Hope” coalition in Rivers, even as relations between Wike and Governor Fubara continue to deteriorate.