Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has laid out conditions for any genuine reconciliation with his former political ally, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
Speaking on Friday, April 25 at the platinum jubilee celebration of Honourable Ken Chikere in Port Harcourt, Wike addressed the ongoing tensions in Rivers State. He emphasized that while he is open to peace, it must be genuine and involve all key political actors, not serve as a façade.
“We are men of peace, not of trouble. But it must be peace with sincerity, not peace as a decoy. Members of the State Assembly, the National Assembly, and the two major political parties must be involved,” he said.
Wike criticized the silence of elder statesmen in the state, accusing them of complicity in the crisis and questioning the tangible steps they had taken to foster peace. He also condemned what he described as media blackmail tactics, stressing that such approaches would not resolve the political turmoil.
“No amount of embarrassment or blackmail can bring peace. What can bring peace is humility and a sincere commitment to the interests of the state,” he said.
The former Rivers State Governor also firmly denied rumours that he had collapsed and was flown abroad for treatment. Wike clarified that he had travelled overseas to attend his son’s graduation, not for medical reasons.
“I am here. I am healthy—very, very well,” he stated. “Someone started spreading that I had collapsed. I was never sick. And even if I were, am I not a human being? Those who wish others to fall will be the ones to fall. And when you fall, it will be final,” he added.
His comments follow persistent tensions between him and Governor Fubara, whom he had supported during the 2023 governorship election but has since had a major fallout with.