Rivers Crisis: I’m open to forgiveness – Wike gives Fubara condition for peace

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he is open to reconciliation with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara—on the condition that Fubara offers a sincere apology for the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Wike and Fubara have been at odds since the latter assumed office as governor in 2023, leading to a deepening political rift that eventually fractured the state’s House of Assembly and created two rival factions within the legislature.

As tensions escalated and the crisis began to impact security in the state, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency. In a decisive move, the president suspended Governor Fubara for six months and appointed a sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Friday, April 18, Wike questioned the sincerity of efforts made toward resolving the crisis and emphasized the need for genuine dialogue.

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

“I’ve asked her [a reference to an unnamed individual] to name one elder in Rivers State who has made any real effort to promote peace.”

He added: “At the end of the day, if we don’t achieve anything, we’ll be right back to square one—which makes no sense. The day Mr. President intervened, the Assembly members immediately withdrew the impeachment notice. I’m open to forgiveness—if he comes sincerely.”

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