Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has downplayed reports of a personal dispute with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing him instead as a close ally and political "son."

In an interview published by BBC Pidgin on Saturday, Wike dismissed suggestions of a direct confrontation with Fubara, saying his actual disagreement lies with individuals he accuses of using the governor to pursue their own agendas.

“There’s no real battle there,” Wike said. “Fubara is my boy, my son. Why would I be fighting him?”

The former Rivers governor emphasized that his political struggle is not with Fubara personally but with those he claims are seeking to gain power dishonestly.

“I’m only challenging those who want to benefit from what they didn’t work for,” he said. “If you don’t stop them, they’ll believe they are in control. We must defeat them completely. Now, they’re embarrassed because they’re losing. They’re the ones influencing Fubara.”

Wike's remarks come as tensions remain high in Rivers State, where internal conflicts have disrupted governance and widened divisions between the current administration and Wike’s allies.

At a media session with selected journalists in Abuja on Monday, Wike confirmed that Governor Fubara had taken steps toward reconciliation, following multiple peace efforts led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The President has repeatedly called for peace, and I can’t refuse that,” Wike explained. “Fubara came with two APC governors and an elder. Although they’re not from my party, I won’t go after him. If he’s seeking peace, I’m open to it.”

Wike’s remarks suggest a possible easing of the political standoff in Rivers, where his influence remains significant despite stepping down as governor.

The ongoing conflict has raised broader concerns about party unity and political stability in one of Nigeria’s most economically important states.