Viral video of Fubara kneeling before Wike sparks social media firestorm

By Johnson Arua

Nigeria’s social media space was thrown into heated debate after a viral video resurfaced showing Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, kneeling before his political benefactor, Nyesom Wike, shortly after he was declared governor-elect.

The video was shared by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

In his post, Olayinka described the clip as Fubara’s “first reaction when he was declared Governor-Elect,” suggesting it reflected the governor’s political posture at the time.

He went further to add a controversial caption that mentioned media personality Reuben Abati and others, using language that many users considered provocative and unnecessary.

Almost immediately, the post ignited widespread reactions, with commentators shifting attention from the video itself to the tone and intent of Olayinka’s remarks.

Some users questioned the motive behind sharing the old clip, accusing Olayinka of attempting to ridicule or politically undermine the Rivers State governor.

Bethel Anunihu, known on X as @Bethel_Anun, openly criticized the post, questioning whether it was meant to “enslave” Fubara politically and accusing the author of lacking integrity.

Others drew parallels with past political relationships, arguing that such gestures of loyalty are common and temporary in Nigerian politics.

A user identified as A Proud Nigerian (@Prince82947891) recalled events before 2015, noting that political power often changes hands and that “no champion lasts forever.”

Legal concerns were also raised over the language used in the caption, particularly references to individuals described in a potentially defamatory manner.

Blackman (@blackbornman) warned that such remarks could attract lawsuits, stressing that falsely labeling someone carries legal consequences, even if rarely enforced.

Meanwhile, some commentators dismissed the controversy entirely, describing the kneeling gesture as routine political conduct rather than evidence of subservience.

Hassan (@hassan__magaji) argued that political leaders often show deference to their predecessors or benefactors, adding that even prominent figures have done the same in the past.

The debate has once again highlighted Nigeria’s intensely polarized online political culture, where old videos and statements are frequently revived to score points in ongoing power struggles.

As reactions continue to pour in, the incident underscores how symbolism, language, and timing can quickly turn a simple post into a full-blown political controversy in the digital age.