In a conversation with Arise TV, political analyst Professor Okey Ikechukwu spoke about the current political unrest in Rivers State.
He emphasized the disadvantages faced by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT and former governor. Ikechukwu asserted that understanding Wike's current situation requires an awareness of the difference between wielding power and just occupying office.
Ikechukwu clarified that Wike had access to large financial resources and a great deal of influence throughout his tenure as governor. However, he said that Wike's discretionary power has been curtailed by the presidency as a minister in the Tinubu administration, limiting his expenditure and impact.
Ikechukwu further clarified that Governor Fubara has been able to consolidate his presence and financial power due to Wike's physical isolation from Rivers State, which has allowed him to enact changes and strengthen his position.
In his words, "I think the person who stands a disadvantage in the line of fire is Wike, and I'll tell you why. You see, in politics, you must make a distinction about whether you want to be in power or in office."
"Supposing two of us are ministers under the Tinubu government, but anytime you feel like, you'll go and see the president. Anytime I want to see the president, I come through you."
"I'm in office as minister; you're in office as minister; and in addition, you're in power. Now, Wike, as governor, was in power within a space and had unlimited funds."
Today, he's a minister whose spending profile is curcumscribed by the presidency. He's one of the aides to the presidency in a presidential system. His capacity for discretion is limited."
"He's also far away from Rivers State, and so Fubara has had time to deploy both present proximity and financial muscle to begin to retweak a lot of things."
You can watch the video here from 5:10 minutes.
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