The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed willingness to reconcile with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara—provided Fubara offers a sincere apology for the ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Tensions between Wike and Fubara have persisted since Fubara assumed office in 2023, resulting in a deepening political divide that splintered the Rivers State House of Assembly into two rival factions.
As the crisis intensified and began to pose a threat to state security, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency. In a bold step, he suspended Governor Fubara for six months and appointed a sole administrator to manage the affairs of the state during the interim.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, April 18, Wike questioned the authenticity of peace efforts so far and stressed the importance of genuine dialogue.
“Has anyone actually reached out to anyone? I can’t stand hypocrisy,” Wike remarked. “I even asked her [referring to an unnamed individual] to name one elder in Rivers State who has truly tried to foster peace.”
He further stated, “If no progress is made, we’ll end up right back where we started—and that’s pointless. The day Mr. President intervened, the Assembly members withdrew the impeachment notice immediately. I’m open to reconciliation—but only if he comes with genuine intent.”