Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, says he has reconciled with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, putting to rest months of speculation about a prolonged rift between the two.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Wike emphasized that the political tension in Rivers State has been resolved, and he is no longer in conflict with the governor.
He, however, downplayed talk about Fubara’s potential re-election, saying, “second term is not an issue yet.”
Wike confirmed that he remains in contact with Governor Fubara and stressed that their relationship has been mended.
“I spoke with the governor yesterday,” Wike said. “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 some political actors of fueling the crisis by spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary panic.
“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 praised President Bola Tinubu for stepping in to broker peace among stakeholders, including the State Assembly, federal lawmakers, and both himself and the governor.
“If we didn’t want peace, we could have done many things to ensure the emergency rule stayed. But we didn’t,” Wike noted.
Amid criticisms that the Rivers State local government elections were rushed and manipulated, Wike defended the process, saying it was neither unilateral nor illegal.
“RSIEC had already announced the election timeline. It was not a one-man affair,” he explained.
“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 also dismissed claims that the elections were conducted to favor his political interest.
“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 rhetorically.
When asked about backing Fubara for a second term, Wike refused to be drawn into the conversation.
“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.”
Responding to allegations that he influences appointments in the Rivers State government, Wike flatly denied the claim.
“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.”
Addressing speculations over a power tussle in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, Wike dismissed the claims of internal strife.
“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,” he said.
“The governor handles administration. But political leadership is a different matter,” he concluded.
