Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, says he is at peace with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, dismissing speculation of a prolonged rift between them. However, he stressed that discussions about a second term for the governor are “not an issue yet.”
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Wike addressed the recent political crisis in Rivers State that led to the declaration, and subsequent lifting, of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
Contrary to public insinuations, Wike said Governor Fubara was carried along in every major decision, including the controversial local government elections held during the emergency period.
“I spoke with the governor yesterday,” Wike revealed. “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.
“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.
Wike accused unnamed political actors of deliberately misinforming Nigerians and stoking tension in Rivers State.
“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.
He commended President Tinubu for intervening and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders — including himself, Governor Fubara, the State House of Assembly, and federal representatives — which led to a peaceful resolution.
“If we didn’t want peace, we could have done many things to ensure the emergency rule stayed. But we didn’t,” Wike said.
Responding to criticisms that the local government elections were rushed, Wike insisted the process followed due procedure.
“RSIEC had already announced the election timeline. It was not a one-man affair,” he said. “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 dismissed suggestions that the polls were skewed in his favour, saying: “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?”
Asked about supporting Fubara’s re-election bid, Wike replied: “Let’s not bring up what can cause unnecessary crisis. We still have two years. Let us focus on helping the governor to deliver governance. Rivers people want development, not second term debates.”
He also denied claims of dictating appointments into the state executive council, saying: “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.”
On the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, Wike downplayed reports 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,” he stated.
