Abuja, Nigeria – Amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, has expressed readiness to reconcile with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara—if the governor shows genuine intent to mend the fractured relationship.
Wike made this known during a media interaction held in Abuja on Friday, April 18, where he addressed ongoing developments in Rivers and outlined the conditions under which he would consider burying the hatchet.
Rift Rooted in Power Struggles
The political impasse between Wike and Fubara is widely believed to stem from internal conflicts over control of the state’s political structures. What began as internal party disagreements has now spiraled into a full-scale power struggle, leading to high-profile defections and threats to state governance.
Twenty-seven members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, previously aligned with the governor, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further intensifying the crisis.
Sincerity as a Prerequisite
According to Wike, while he is open to reconciliation, such efforts must be built on trust and sincerity. He revealed that two sitting governors had approached him to mediate peace with Fubara, but noted that previous opportunities for dialogue were squandered.
“I am willing to forgive, sincerely,” Wike said. “But the governor must first show that he truly wants peace. Without honesty and accountability, reconciliation is impossible.”
Support for Emergency Measures
Wike voiced strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a necessary intervention to avert chaos. He admitted he would have preferred Fubara’s removal but commended the president’s decision to install a sole administrator as a stabilizing force in the interim.
He said the situation had reached a point where decisive leadership was required to restore order and prevent further breakdown of governance in the state.
On the Judiciary Quarters in Abuja
During the media session, the FCT Minister also clarified the rationale behind the ongoing construction of residential quarters for judges in the Federal Capital. He emphasized that the project was not politically motivated, but rather an effort to improve the welfare and security of the judiciary.
Wike noted that the initiative was approved by President Tinubu and provided for in the 2024 national budget. “It is a constitutional obligation, not a favour. Judges deserve dignity and decent accommodation, and we are committed to ensuring that,” he said.
Profile: Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike, a two-term former governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, is known for his bold and assertive political style. A major figure in southern Nigeria’s political landscape, Wike has played influential roles both within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and at the national level. His tenure as governor was marked by large-scale infrastructural projects and significant political intrigue.
Profile: Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who emerged under Wike’s political mentorship, has struggled to maintain control in the face of growing opposition and internal party challenges. The political tension with his predecessor has resulted in governance disruption and questions over leadership stability in Rivers State.
With the state now under emergency rule, the future of both Fubara’s political career and Rivers’ governance structure hangs in the balance.
