The attention of Rivers people is gradually been turned in the direction of an account of the genealogy of a frontline gubernatorial candidate that is currently making the rounds.
That account, which is circulating within the political rumour mill, is claiming that Siminalayi Fubara, the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is a close relative of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Although Fubara hails from Opobo while Wike comes from Rumuprikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the political rumour mill in Rivers State is awash with a version of an account which says that the former Accountant General of Rivers State is a cousin of the governor.
Governor Nyesom Wike
Siminalayi Fubara
Is Siminalayi Fubara in any way related to Governor Wike?
It is not clear how the story began, or who is behind it, but there have been attempts to reap political capital through the spread of the tale.
The Port Harcourt Telegraph and other sister publications under the umbrella of the Port Harcourt Press have gone to town to try and unravel the true story about Fubara’s lineage.
Our search for information has taken us to credible sources, to those who own Siminalayi Fubara by birth.
We have spoken to leaders of War canoe houses on the paternal side (Agba Fubara) and the maternal side (Jaja).
Our finding is very revealing. It however, takes the sail away from the proponents of the unsubstantiated account which in the court of public opinion has suddenly turned PDP’s Sim, an all round Ibani man, into Wike’s cousin overnight.
It reveals that Siminalayi Fubara has no ounce of Ikwerre blood.