Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, as a “genius” in political recruitment, despite his personal dislike for him.

Naijaonpoint reports that Farotimi, in a post on his 𝕏 handle on Wednesday, argued that Wike displayed rare political shrewdness in choosing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as his successor, even though he strongly disapproved of Fubara’s leadership style.

The activist, responding to a netizen’s comment on the political affairs in Rivers, insisted that Wike’s ability to install Fubara as governor, whom he derisively called a “simpleton,” reflected his political calculation rather than any perceived weakness in the Ijaw people.

“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.

Naijaonpoint reports that Wike and Governor Fubara have been embroiled in a prolonged political feud since the governor assumed office in 2023.

The crisis spiralled into violent confrontations, deep divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly, and widespread tension in the oil-rich state.

The conflict eventually led President Bola Tinubu to impose a six-month state of emergency on Rivers in March 2025, suspending both Fubara and his deputy from office.

Last week, however, Tinubu lifted the emergency rule, reinstating Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly.

In his first public outing since his reinstatement, Fubara had called for prayers and peace in Rivers State, pledging to rededicate himself to governance.

Farotimi’s remarks, however, highlight ongoing concerns over the governor’s leadership and underline Wike’s continued influence in Rivers politics.