Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he has reconciled with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, affirming that the embattled governor is set to return to Port Harcourt following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Wike revealed that he has been in constant communication with Fubara and has forgiven him.
“I have already said that we’ve been speaking. I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. I am not a politician who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward,” he said.
The former Rivers governor praised President Bola Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, describing the intervention as bold and necessary to restore calm. He explained that the decision was tied to constitutional concerns after the Supreme Court nullified local government elections and faulted the use of caretaker committees.
“The President stepped in because failure to act decisively could have escalated into a deeper crisis. It was a compromise to maintain peace, and to the glory of God as I speak, peace has returned,” he noted.
Wike, however, cautioned against what he called “natural crisis builders” who thrive on conflict. “There are people who do nothing but attempt to create crisis. For me, anything that promotes peace, I am for it,” he added.
Despite Wike’s assurances, Fubara’s exact whereabouts remain unclear. On Thursday, thousands of supporters gathered at the Government House in Port Harcourt expecting his return, but many dispersed by midday when he failed to appear.
During the emergency period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as sole administrator of the state. With the suspension of the emergency rule, the Rivers State House of Assembly has reconvened under Speaker Martins Amaewhule, launching a probe into state finances under Ibas and requesting a list of commissioner-nominees from Governor Fubara for screening.
Reiterating his commitment to reconciliation, Wike dismissed suggestions that the truce was tactical:
“I can’t speak with a man I’ve not forgiven. If I say peace has come, then peace has truly come.”
