During the funeral service for the late former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, tensions rose between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Fubara expressed his confusion over the motives behind the ongoing political power struggle, stating, “What is all this struggle about? Why are we resorting to violence and suppression?”
In response, Senator Akpabio took the opportunity to share a personal anecdote that shed light on the nature of political ambition. He recalled a conversation in 2006 with a deputy governor who warned him against pursuing the deputy governor position due to its lack of financial benefits.
Akpabio’s companion suggested that the deputy governor should just resign if the role offered no material advantage. When the woman’s suggestion was met with physical aggression from the deputy governor, Akpabio intervened, urging him to refrain from violence. He emphasized that he desired the position precisely because of its perceived insignificance compared to his esteemed status.
Concluding his remarks, Akpabio directed a message to Governor Fubara, stating, “If there truly is nothing significant to be gained from this struggle, then I urge you not to engage in it.”
Governor Siminalayi Fubara said, “This one has to do with our political class. What is all this struggle about? You want to kill, you want to bury, what is it all about?
When it was his turn to talk, Senator Godswill Akpabio replied, “What is the struggle all about? I will answer you. The struggle (we are not talking politics).
“In 2006, I wanted to be a deputy governor, so the then deputy governor invited me and told me that, ‘This office has no money, there is nothing in it. I don’t know why you still insist on removing me from here and taking over.’
“So the woman who went with me said, ‘Your excellency, then don’t wait for impeachment, just resign since there is nothing in it.’ And he stood up and started punching the woman, and I said, ‘Your excellency, please don’t punch her. She is telling the truth. There is nothing in it, that’s why I want it because you are too big for it.’
“So, Your Excellency, Governor Fubara, if there is nothing in the struggle, don’t struggle.”
