Magnus Abe, former Senator of Rivers State, has moved against Governor Siminalyi Fubara hours after reconciling with ex-Governor Nyesom Wike.
Abe stated that Governor Fubara cannot simply be labeled as the political leader of the state. Abe contended that holding the position of Governor doesn’t automatically qualify one as a political leader. He emphasized that political leadership is earned through the gradual cultivation of trust, confidence, followership, and support, criteria which Fubara, in Abe’s estimation, hasn’t fully met solely by virtue of becoming the Governor.
Abe made these observations during an appearance on TVC’s Politics Night, where he discussed the ongoing rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. A segment of the interview circulated widely on social media platforms.
He remarked, “Being a governor has made him the leader of the government of Rivers State. But when you say political leader, that is something that you have to work to earn. To say Fubara is the political leader of Rivers State is a much broader context of leadership, and it takes time to build that kind of confidence, followership, support, and trust. Leadership is all about trust, and sometimes, navigating this difficult water helps bring you out as a leader when you begin to trust yourself and can rely on the direction you provide.”
Abe stressed that Fubara, as Governor, bears the responsibility of striving to attain political leadership in the state, but whether he ultimately achieves this status remains to be seen. He underscored that such recognition isn’t automatically conferred but is rather a culmination of efforts to unite people and earn their trust.
Drawing a historical parallel, Abe referenced Aminu Kano’s leadership in Kano, highlighting that despite not holding the position of Governor, Aminu Kano was widely regarded as the political leader of the region.
Recall that Abe contested for Rivers State Governor in 2023 under the platform of Social Democratic Party, SDP, but lost to Fubara who ran under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP with the backing of the then Governor Wike.