Drama In Rivers: Wike Declares Peace Mission, Sets Tough Condition For Fubara’s Redemption

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed his willingness to reconcile with his estranged political protégé and successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike and Fubara have been embroiled in a protracted power tussle over political and structural dominance in Rivers State, a conflict that has also split the state House of Assembly, leading to the defection of 27 suspended lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during a media chat on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Abuja, Wike disclosed that he would be open to forgiving Fubara—on the condition that the governor genuinely seeks reconciliation.

According to Wike, two serving governors had approached him with peace talks, and he responded positively, reiterating his readiness to let go of grievances if sincerity was at the heart of the conversation.

He said, “These two governors came to me, and I told them, ‘Look, I’m here for peace. What does he want?’ They assured me that they would do all they could. But it must be sincere. The best chance for a resolution was when the President stepped in.”

Wike also threw his support behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, though he admitted he had pushed for Fubara’s outright removal.

“As a politician, I wasn’t pleased with the declaration of an Emergency Rule—I wanted the governor removed. But for the sake of the state, the President’s decision was appropriate to avert chaos,” Wike said.

He further emphasized that while the matter remains in court, the truth must be told. “The governor was already out. It is not my responsibility to make governance easy for him. Politics doesn’t work that way—there’s always a power play.”