The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has responded to calls for reconciliation with his estranged political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, asserting that no request for forgiveness has been made. His statement was a direct reply to a recent appeal by ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who urged Wike to forgive Fubara for the sake of peace and unity in the oil-rich state.
Tompolo’s Plea for Unity and Dialogue
In a statement issued over the weekend, Tompolo called for calm and mutual understanding in the ongoing political rift that has engulfed Rivers State. Speaking as a respected leader from the Niger Delta, Tompolo stressed the need for unity, dialogue, and peace among stakeholders, especially between Wike and Fubara.
“And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems. Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all. We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again Fubara will return to his seat,” Tompolo stated.
His remarks were seen as an olive branch aimed at reconciling both parties, who once enjoyed a strong political alliance but have since drifted apart over the control of Rivers State’s political structure.
Wike’s Response: No Apology, No Forgiveness
In a swift reaction, Wike, speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed the notion of forgiveness without a prior request or admission of wrongdoing. He questioned the logic behind seeking forgiveness on behalf of someone who has not personally acknowledged fault.
“There is no offence. It is when somebody has offended you personally that you are talking about the person seeking forgiveness or whatever,” Olayinka said. “Let’s now assume that Fubara has offended the minister, do you forgive someone who has not come to you to seek forgiveness?”
According to Wike’s aide, reconciliation must follow a process, starting with self-reflection and acceptance of responsibility by the offending party. Without this step, any attempt at mending the fractured relationship remains superficial.
Focus on Governance, Not Personal Grievances
Olayinka clarified that Wike’s issues with Fubara are not born out of personal animosity but rather stem from concerns over governance and political betrayal. He maintained that Wike has consistently urged the governor to uphold the rule of law and respect those who contributed to his emergence as governor.
“The minister has never said that Fubara offended him personally. He only said that Fubara should govern in accordance with the rule of law and not discard those who risked everything to make him governor. That is not too much to ask,” Olayinka added.
He further stated that if any apology was due, it should be directed toward President Bola Tinubu, given the governor’s perceived defiance in handling state matters and political structures.
Questioning Fubara’s Sudden Shift
The statement also delved into the puzzling transformation in Fubara’s attitude towards Wike, suggesting that the governor should engage in soul-searching to understand the root of the conflict. Wike’s camp appeared baffled by the governor’s recent posture, considering their once-close political relationship.
“He is the one to go for soul-searching,” Olayinka emphasized. “Throughout the time Wike was facing bullets and challenges on his behalf, he wasn’t seen as a bad person. So, when exactly did that change? Fubara must answer that question.”
Drawing on a proverb to drive the point home, Olayinka said, “You are begging a doctor to provide medicine for someone that is sick, but you are not begging the person that is sick to take the medicine. What happens?”
Outlook for Reconciliation Remains Unclear
Despite Tompolo’s call for peace and dialogue, the current stance of the FCT Minister suggests that reconciliation is not yet on the horizon. Without a clear gesture of remorse or request for forgiveness from Governor Fubara, Wike’s camp appears unwilling to consider rapprochement.
The deepening rift has continued to fuel tensions in Rivers State’s political landscape, raising concerns among stakeholders about governance stability and long-term unity within the ruling political bloc.
Whether dialogue will eventually take place remains uncertain. However, observers believe that with increased pressure from national figures and regional leaders, both Wike and Fubara may be forced to find common ground for the sake of peace and progress in Rivers State.
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