Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, sought reconciliation with him during a recent visit.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike revealed that Fubara approached him alongside two governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to broker peace amid the political crisis in Rivers State. The minister disclosed that although he was open to reconciliation, the governor must take “certain necessary steps” to ensure lasting peace.
Wike and Fubara have been locked in a prolonged political standoff, which led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers and suspend the governor for six months. A Sole Administrator was subsequently appointed to oversee the state’s affairs.
According to Wike, “Yes, he came with two governors, unfortunately, they are APC governors… He said he wants peace, and I also want peace.” He added that the window for reconciliation remains open, but stressed that the governor’s current predicament was self-inflicted.
On the issue of the PDP in Rivers, Wike maintained that the party remains intact in the state. He said, “We don’t have a problem with PDP in my state… government is not the party.”
He also criticized comments made by Atedo Peterside, accusing him and others of contributing to the crisis. In a separate reference, Wike recalled a conversation with the late Herbert Wigwe, former CEO of Access Holdings, challenging him to contribute more visibly to Rivers’ development. Wike said Wigwe later pledged to establish a world-class university in the state.
