By Divine Sam
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, approached him for reconciliation amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike revealed that Fubara visited him accompanied by two All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, signaling a desire to resolve their differences. The two political leaders have been at odds since Fubara assumed office as governor in 2023.
The rift between them intensified and resulted in President Bola Tinubu suspending Fubara for six months, imposing a state of emergency in Rivers State, and appointing a Sole Administrator.
Wike, however, noted that he was open to peace, aligning with the President’s consistent calls for calm.
“Yes, he came with two governors. Unfortunately, they are APC governors. He said he wants peace, and I also want peace,” Wike stated. “The President has called for peace several times, and I cannot oppose that.”
The former Rivers governor emphasized that the crisis was avoidable and urged Fubara to take the right steps towards reconciliation. “This is a self-inflicted injury. When it all started, I told him to be cautious and handle things humbly. God gave it to him, and he should not let others mislead him,” Wike added.
Addressing internal party dynamics, Wike dismissed the notion of discord within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, asserting that the state chapter remains unified.
He also criticized businessman Atedo Peterside for describing some appointees as “riff-raffs.” Wike defended the qualifications of his associates and questioned Peterside’s contributions to the state, stating: “Just because someone has a PhD but hasn’t founded a bank doesn’t make them a riff-raff.”
Wike went on to mention a past conversation with the late Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, challenging him to contribute more directly to the state’s development. He recalled Wigwe’s commitment to establishing a world-class university in Rivers State following their discussion.
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