Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he is open to forgiving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his estranged political godson and successor, but only if the governor genuinely seeks forgiveness.
Wike, who was the immediate past governor of Rivers State, stated in a media parley on Friday in Abuja that he would let go of the wrongs caused by Fubara if the governor shows sincere remorse. When asked directly whether he would forgive Fubara if he asked for it, Wike responded affirmatively, saying, “Sincerely.”
The relationship between Wike and Fubara has soured in recent months, primarily due to a struggle for control over the political and structural resources of Rivers State. The rift has spilled over into the state’s legislature, with 27 suspended members defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further intensifying the political crisis.
During the interview, Wike revealed that two governors had approached him in an effort to mediate the ongoing feud with Fubara. Although Wike did not disclose the identities of these governors, he mentioned that he expressed his willingness to make peace, stating, “I am here for peace. What does he want?” He emphasized that any effort to resolve the conflict must be genuine, adding, “In sincerity, if anybody comes, it must be in sincerity. The best opportunity was when the President intervened.”
Wike also offered his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. While Wike admitted that he initially desired the outright removal of Governor Fubara, he acknowledged that the president’s intervention saved the state from further political instability. Wike argued that appointing a sole administrator following Fubara’s suspension was a prudent step to prevent anarchy in the state.
“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. I wanted the outright removal of the governor. But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy in the state,” Wike said.
He further clarified that while the matter is still in court, the governor's position had already become untenable. “The governor was gone. It is not on my place to make it good for the governor. As a politician, my business is not to make him comfortable,” Wike added.
