Wike Says He’s Open to Reconciliation—But Gives Fubara Condition

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he is open to mending fences with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara—but only if Fubara offers a genuine apology over the political turmoil rocking the state.

Wike and Fubara’s feud began shortly after the latter assumed office in 2023, plunging the state into a deep political crisis. The conflict eventually split the Rivers State House of Assembly into two rival factions and raised concerns over governance and public safety.

As tensions escalated, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspended Governor Fubara for six months, and appointed a sole administrator to temporarily steer the affairs of the state.

During a media chat in Abuja on Friday, April 18, Wike questioned the sincerity behind recent calls for peace, criticizing what he described as hypocrisy from certain quarters.

“Has anybody approached anybody? I don’t like people who are hypocrites,” Wike stated.

He continued, “I’ve asked her [referring to an unnamed individual] to name just one elder in Rivers State who has made any genuine effort to promote peace.”

Wike added that the day President Tinubu stepped in, the Assembly withdrew the impeachment notice against Fubara—proof, in his view, that progress is possible with honest dialogue.

“I’m open to forgiveness—if he comes sincerely,” Wike said, leaving the door open for reconciliation, but firmly placing the next move on Fubara’s shoulders.