Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, says he has reconciled with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, downplaying claims of an ongoing feud. He also dismissed talks of Fubara’s re-election, describing it as “not an issue yet.”
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Wike addressed the political crisis in Rivers State that led to the temporary declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu. He said contrary to public perception, the governor was involved in all key decisions taken during the period, including the contentious local government elections.
“I spoke with the governor yesterday. He told me he was returning this morning. I don’t know whether he has resumed or not — that’s not for me to say. I am not his CSO. But yes, we’ve been speaking. We have made peace,” Wike said.
“I wouldn’t have spoken to Fubara if I hadn’t forgiven him. I don’t speak to a man I’ve not forgiven. I am at peace with Governor Fubara,” he added.
The FCT minister accused unnamed politicians of fueling tension with misinformation.
“Some people just love crisis. They go on TV, shout and pontificate, misrepresent facts, and try to confuse the public. We’ve had enough. Enough is enough,” he said.
Wike praised President Tinubu for stepping in to broker peace among stakeholders — including himself, Fubara, the Rivers Assembly, and federal representatives.
“If we didn’t want peace, we could have done many things to ensure the emergency rule stayed. But we didn’t,” he noted.
On criticism that the local government elections were rushed, Wike maintained the process was legitimate.
“RSIEC had already announced the election timeline. It was not a one-man affair. Under emergency rule, Mr. President had the constitutional power to suspend parts of the law and make regulations for governance. Everything was done within the law,” he explained.
He further rejected claims that the elections were skewed in his favour.
“How did it go my way? The governor and I met, we discussed. In fact, I went to his house at 1 a.m. to speak with him. Who does that if they want to destroy peace?” he asked.
When pressed on whether he would back Fubara for a second term, Wike cautioned against divisive debates.
“Let’s not bring up what can cause unnecessary crisis. We still have two years. Let us focus on helping the governor deliver governance. Rivers people want development, not second-term debates,” he said.
Wike also denied interfering in state appointments.
“I have no candidate. Even if the governor comes to me for advice, I’ll only tell him not to destroy what we’ve built. Move the state forward,” he stressed.
On leadership within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, he dismissed rumours of internal conflict.
“There was never a disagreement. Those who want to cause crisis are the ones bringing up who is leader or not. Leadership is not by shouting. The governor handles administration. But political leadership is a different matter,” Wike said.
