Wike Exposes How Fubara Ignored Warnings Before Rivers State Breakdown

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that embattled Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently visited him to seek reconciliation over the political turmoil rocking the state.

Speaking during a media interview on Monday, Wike revealed that Fubara, accompanied by two governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), approached him for peace talks following months of intense political conflict.

“Yes, he came with two governors, and unfortunately, the two of them are APC governors. He said he wants peace, and I said I want peace too,” Wike disclosed.

However, the former Rivers governor was quick to point out that the crisis was “self-inflicted” and could have been avoided if Fubara had heeded early warnings from senior political figures.

“This is a self-inflicted injury. He doesn’t need it,” Wike stated firmly, recounting how he and other leaders, including Governors Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and David Umahi, had earlier cautioned Fubara against being misled by political influences.

“When this thing started, I called him… We sat him down and said, ‘This is not good for you. God has given it to you; don’t allow people to push you,’” Wike recounted.

The political tension in Rivers State escalated to national prominence when President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2024. This led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly. A retired naval chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, was installed to administer the state during the emergency period.

Despite Fubara’s recent diplomatic overture, Wike stressed that peace requires more than words, urging the governor to take concrete actions to resolve the deep-rooted crisis.

“You people think this is about saying ‘I want peace’ and then walking away. What that means is that there’s an open window for you. Take the necessary steps to show you want peace,” he emphasized.

He further warned that the crisis, including the suspension of lawmakers and the breakdown of legislative functions, would continue unless sincere steps were taken.

“They declared a state of emergency. Assuming the state of emergency is lifted, does that mean the crisis is over? The Assembly will still be the same,” he warned, citing the inability to pass a budget or receive federal allocation.

Wike also questioned Fubara’s sincerity and capacity to foster reconciliation, citing the continued street demonstrations and media attacks allegedly orchestrated by the governor’s loyalists.

“I told him, I don’t think you have the capacity to make peace. Your people are demonstrating every day, going on television to insult people,” Wike noted.

He concluded by urging Fubara to go beyond public gestures and engage directly with aggrieved lawmakers and party leaders if he truly desires lasting peace in Rivers State.

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