Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, as a political genius, even though he admitted he does not like him.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Farotimi praised Wike’s skill in political recruitment, pointing to his choice of Siminalayi Fubara as successor, though he strongly faulted Fubara’s leadership.
“You should applaud Wike’s recruitment genius, not question the Ijaw’s historic record of bravery. I don’t like Wike, there’s absolutely nothing to emulate or to eulogize in him, BUT on this matter of the Simpleton known as Fubara, I am persuaded to acknowledge his genius,” Farotimi wrote.
Wike and Governor Fubara have been engaged in a prolonged political crisis since the latter assumed office last year.
The feud escalated into open confrontation, culminating in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. Both Fubara and his deputy were suspended for six months at the height of the crisis.
The political standoff threw the state into weeks of uncertainty, with rival camps trading accusations and supporters clashing in parts of Port Harcourt.
Fubara was reinstated last week after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule, ending months of tension in the oil-rich state.