By Muhammad Mamman
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has criticised Rivers State Governor, Siminal Fubara, over his recent declaration of himself as the “001” of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, calling it a “sad narrative” and questioning the legitimacy of the claim.
In a statement, Fayose highlighted a distinction between the office of the governor and the political ranking of “001”, suggesting that Fubara had overstepped by assuming a title traditionally linked to party leadership.
“There’s a difference between the office of the governor and the state’s 001. Who gave you the platform to be calling yourself 001?” Fayose asked, adding that it would be “a sad story for my governor to be fighting Fayemi on the streets” and that Fubara “should be able to manage this situation.”
Fayose also drew a cultural analogy, noting that in Ekiti, “those who gave you life are the fathers of those who gave you money,” implying that respect and hierarchy should guide political claims.
He continued to question Fubara’s stance in relation to Rivers State political hierarchy, saying: “Who is Governor Fubara? I respect him as a governor, but if Wike says he is the leader, it is not for the mouth of Governor Fubara to be contesting that. We all know the truth. A governor is the creation of some people.”
The former governor’s comments underscore ongoing tensions within the APC in Rivers State, reflecting broader debates over political authority and influence in Nigeria’s ruling party.
Fubara has yet to respond publicly to Fayose’s remarks.
