Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, recently sought reconciliation, but doubts if the suspended governor has what it takes to sue for peace amid the ongoing political crisis, which he described as “self-inflicted”
Wike made this revelation during a media chat on Monday, following reports that Fubara, accompanied by two All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, visited him after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London.
The visit comes in the wake of a six-month state of emergency declared in Rivers State on March 18, which led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has since been appointed as the administrator of the state.
“Yes, he came with two governors, and unfortunately, the two of them are APC governors. He said he wants peace, and I said I want peace too,” Wike said.
However, Wike stressed that reconciliation requires tangible action, not just words. He claimed that Fubara had ignored earlier warnings from key political figures, including Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and David Umahi, about the risks of being misled by political influencers.
“There are steps. You people think this is about saying I want peace; then you go. What that means is that there’s an open window for you. Take the necessary steps to show you want peace,” he said.
Wike recalled a meeting where he and other senior politicians advised Fubara against the path that led to the current crisis, urging him to remain grounded in his leadership.
“When this thing started, I called him. Seyi Makinde, Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Umahi were there. We sat him down and said, This is not good for you. God has given it to you; don’t allow people to push you. You’re a governor, we know. Don’t forget people laboured day and night, and what I have said is don’t forget people who toiled day and night.”
He also warned that failing to resolve the crisis before the state of emergency is lifted could leave Rivers State in a prolonged state of instability.
“They declare a state of emergency; he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches him. Who suffers? Assuming you don’t settle this problem and the state of emergency is called off, has the problem ended? Assembly will still be the same as it has been. The crisis will still be there, and they won’t pass their budget or get federal allocation,” he said.
Wike further questioned Fubara’s ability to lead a genuine peace effort, citing ongoing public demonstrations and attacks by his supporters.
“I told him, I don’t think you have the capacity to make peace. Your people are demonstrating every day, going on television to insult people. Have you met the assembly people? There are leaders you should meet. It’s not to say I want peace, you must show by conduct and action that you want it.”
