The political rift in Rivers State continues to intensify as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, firmly rejected calls for reconciliation between him and the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
This response came shortly after a public appeal from ex-Niger Delta militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, who urged Wike to forgive Fubara and prioritize peace in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, made it clear that forgiveness isn’t even a topic of discussion until Fubara acknowledges his wrongdoings and seeks reconciliation.
“You don’t talk about forgiveness when the person who allegedly offended you hasn’t even come forward to ask for it,”
— Olayinka stated.
Tompolo, in a recent comment on the Rivers crisis, emphasized the need for calm and unity, comparing the situation to fatherly discipline and eventual reconciliation.
“And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems.
Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all. We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again Fubara will return to his seat,”
— Tompolo said.
But Wike’s camp questioned the foundation of such peace efforts. Olayinka argued that Fubara has not shown any willingness to make amends or admit fault.
“Let’s assume Fubara has offended the minister — has he sought forgiveness? The person who has wronged you must first admit it to himself and come forward to reconcile. That has not happened,”
— he added.
He further clarified that Wike’s issues with Fubara are not rooted in personal grievances, but in political missteps and betrayal. According to him, the minister’s only demand is that Fubara upholds the rule of law and respects the political alliance that led to his emergence as governor.
“The minister has never said Fubara offended him personally. He only urged him to govern in line with the rule of law and not to abandon those who risked their lives and resources to make him governor. That’s not too much to ask,”
— Olayinka explained.
Olayinka also called attention to what he described as a dramatic shift in Fubara’s loyalty, questioning the governor’s change in attitude toward his former ally.
“At what point did Wike become the enemy? He needs to do some soul-searching. When Wike was taking bullets for him, he wasn’t a bad person. So, what changed?”
— he asked.
