Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has recently been embroiled in political disputes, frequently invoking President Bola Tinubu’s name in his conflicts with political opponents. Wike accused former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili of encouraging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to disobey Tinubu, blaming Odili for the breakdown of a peace agreement brokered by Tinubu in 2023. The peace deal was aimed at resolving political tensions in Rivers State but fell apart, with Wike claiming that Odili influenced Fubara against the President’s directives.

The rift between Wike and Fubara has grown over time, with Wike alleging that he has been wrongly accused of attempting to convert Rivers State into his personal estate. Wike defended his legacy, stating that his administration transformed Rivers State into a medical hub for the South-South region and emphasized that he remains the best governor the state has ever had. He accused Odili of misleading people for personal interests and stated that he would not apologize for his comments.

Wike’s habit of bringing Tinubu into his political battles has become a recurring and concerning pattern. He often invokes the President’s name to justify his actions, claiming loyalty to Tinubu as a shield for his political maneuverings. Wike openly admitted to working against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections, opposing the party’s presidential candidate, to support Tinubu. While Wike argued that his decision was driven by the need to support a Southern president, the reality is that this rationale has since been overshadowed by his ongoing personal vendettas. Wike, wait for the next election to test your political relevance. Leave Tinubu out of your pains, grievances, and self-inflicted fights. Instead, he continues to seek validation through relentless, and often petty, political confrontations. His actions suggest a deeper issue—an inability to let go and accept the reality of governance shifting away from his influence in Rivers State especially.

Wike’s confrontations extend beyond his conflict with Governor Fubara. He is also fighting some governors who support Fubara, a female senator representing the FCT, prominent PDP stakeholders, and respected elders in his state. Wike has been known to oppose anyone who tells him he cannot control everything. His persistent attempts to maintain control over Fubara, even after leaving office as governor, reflect his desire to wield influence indefinitely. Despite his departure from office, Wike continues to assert dominance, often bringing Tinubu’s name into his disputes.

For far too long, public perception has been that Wike was using the police and the judiciary to fight Governor Fubara. However, as of today, both institutions have decided to follow the rule of law, shifting the balance of power in the ongoing conflict. This development highlights the importance of adhering to lawful processes in resolving political disputes.

As a psychologist, I cannot diagnose Wike without a formal assessment, but from media observations, he appears to be a man who is angry, jealous, and possibly obsessed. His actions raise significant concerns, as he consistently reacts to Governor Fubara’s movements across Rivers State. Whenever Fubara addresses state matters, celebrates a project, visits an elder, or even attends a church service to thank the people for their ongoing support, Wike follows up with a similar action. He leaves Abuja, where he resides and works, to counter Fubara’s engagements in Rivers State. This disturbing pattern could suggest a deep-seated need for control and validation. It raises the question: what is driving Wike’s behavior? Is he threatened by Fubara’s growing influence or simply unable to relinquish his grip on power in Rivers State? This obsessive pattern cannot be dismissed lightly.

What makes this behavior even more alarming is Wike’s tendency to drag President Tinubu into these petty battles. He seems to wield Tinubu’s name as a shield and a weapon in his quest to undermine Fubara. It’s a classic case of using higher authority to mask personal insecurity. Wike fails to see that Tinubu is preoccupied with addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges—economic recovery, national unity, and infrastructural development. Tinubu does not have time for Wike’s personal vendettas, yet Wike continuously forces the President’s name into irrelevant conflicts, distorting the focus of governance.

Wike’s fixation on undermining Fubara has reached embarrassing levels. Even routine events such as Fubara’s church visits or interactions with local communities seem to provoke a competitive response from Wike. He cannot seem to bear the idea of Fubara receiving praise or support without immediately attempting to overshadow him. It appears Wike cannot tolerate being out of the spotlight for even a moment.

The public has grown weary of these antics. Nigerians are facing serious hardships—rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and economic instability. Tinubu is navigating these challenges by working across regions, party lines, and religious divides to foster unity and development. In contrast, Wike’s behavior is self-serving, driven by an inflated ego and a desire to control Rivers State from the shadows. His actions serve no one but himself and are increasingly viewed as a distraction from the real issues affecting ordinary citizens.

It is important to note that Tinubu appointed Wike as FCT Minister after reports that Wike helped Tinubu secure electoral victory in Rivers State by any means necessary. However, Nigeria is now grappling with significant economic challenges, and the President is focused on addressing these issues. Tinubu is working tirelessly across regions, party lines, and religious divides to bring about positive change and improve the lives of Nigerians.

Wike’s behavior also reveals a man who is trapped in the past, still viewing governance through the lens of his own tenure. He refuses to accept that Rivers State has moved on under Fubara’s leadership. His inability to relinquish control signifies a deeper problem of entitlement, where he believes that his influence must remain unchallenged. This obsession with power blinds him to the real needs of the people he once governed, reducing his legacy to one of constant disruption and political sabotage.

While Tinubu remains committed to national development, Wike, even in 2025, appears to be more focused on promoting his own agenda. His actions are still sentimentally centered around himself, rather than the broader needs of the country. Wike must recognize that Nigeria is dealing with critical issues, and the President is making efforts to unify the nation and foster growth across all sectors and regions. It is imperative for political leaders to support these efforts and move beyond personal interests for the greater good of the country.

Wike’s repeated attempts to overshadow Fubara point to a fragile ego that cannot stand seeing others succeed. It’s a classic case of political insecurity, where one man’s inability to relinquish power is threatening the stability of an entire state. Wike needs to understand that leadership is not about perpetual control but about nurturing growth and progress for future generations. His ongoing interference is not only detrimental to Rivers State but also diminishes his standing on the national stage.

While Wike continues to bring Tinubu’s name into his political fights, the President remains focused on national development and promoting progress across all regions of Nigeria. Tinubu recently visited Enugu State, marking his first official trip to the state since assuming office in May 2023. During his visit, he commissioned several key projects initiated by the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration, aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security in the state.

The projects inaugurated by Tinubu included 30 completed smart green schools out of 260 under construction across the state’s wards, as well as 60 fully equipped Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres. Additionally, he commissioned 90 urban roads in Enugu City, a multi-functional Enugu International Conference Centre, and a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre to bolster security efforts. The President also launched 150 patrol vehicles fitted with AI-embedded surveillance cameras to enhance security across the state.

Tinubu was accompanied by high-profile dignitaries, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and Minister of Works Dave Umahi. However, notable absentees included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifiru. It remains unclear if these governors sent representatives to the event.

Tinubu’s commitment to development and national unity is evident through his actions. By commissioning projects across different regions, he is encouraging growth and progress irrespective of regional or political affiliations. His focus remains on addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

It is crucial for Wike to stop using Tinubu’s name as leverage in his political battles. Tinubu has enough pressing national economic issues to address, and his focus should remain on fostering development across the country. Political leaders like Wike should engage in constructive governance and avoid dragging the President into personal conflicts. Tinubu’s actions, such as his visit to Enugu and the commissioning of significant projects, demonstrate his dedication to promoting development in all parts of Nigeria, regardless of regional differences.

Wike must understand that governance is about progress, not obsession. His actions are eroding his legacy and sowing seeds of division in Rivers State. It is time for him to step back, accept the reality of Fubara’s leadership, and focus on constructive contributions to national development.

Nigeria needs leaders who can inspire progress and foster cooperation, not distractions driven by personal vendettas. True leadership is about empowering others and recognizing when it is time to let go of the reins of power. It is not about clinging to influence through relentless, petty confrontations. Wike must make a choice: does he want to be remembered as a statesman who contributed to national progress, or as a disruptor who couldn’t let go of personal grudges? The choice is his, and history will judge him accordingly.

As we enter 2025, the message is clear: Nigeria needs healing and forward movement. Wike must leave Tinubu out of his grievances and recognize that the President is focused on addressing the country’s economic challenges. This is not the time for endless battles over personal relevance. It is a time for unity, progress, and a collective effort to move the nation forward. For God’s sake, it’s time to let go of the past and build a better future.