Fubara visited me; crisis was self-inflicted — Wike breaks silence

Fubara visited me; crisis was self-inflicted — Wike breaks silence

BY OLAIDE SHITTU

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara visited him to seek reconciliation, but maintained that the ongoing political crisis in the state was “self-inflicted.”

According to reports, Fubara’s visit followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London, shortly after the president declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18.

The emergency measure included the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as administrator to oversee the state during this period.

Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike said Fubara came with two governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“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 said.

Wike emphasised that while peace is desirable, reconciliation requires more than just words. He further alleged that Fubara had been warned early on against allowing political influences to mislead him, adding that the situation could have been avoided.

He said, “There are steps. You people think this is about saying I want peace; then you go. What that means is that there’s an open window for you. Take the necessary steps to show you want peace.

“This is a self-inflicted injury. He doesn’t need it. When this thing started, I called him. Seyi Makinde, Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Umahi were there. 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. You’re a governor, we know.

“Don’t forget people laboured day and night, and what I have said is don’t forget people who toiled day and night.”

He accused unnamed governors of influencing Fubara’s decisions and warned that failure to resolve the issues could prolong the crisis in Rivers State.

“I told him, Go this way, and you will not have a problem. People came and said, Don’t mind him; assert yourself as governor.

“They declare a state of emergency; he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches him. Who suffers? Assuming you don’t settle this problem and the state of emergency is called off, has the problem ended?

“Assembly will still be the same as it has been. The crisis will still be there, and they won’t pass their budget or get federal allocation.

Wike also questioned Fubara’s ability to lead a genuine peace process, pointing to ongoing public attacks by his supporters. He stressed the need for concrete action, not just declarations, to mend the political rift.

“I told him, I don’t think you have the capacity to make peace. Your people are demostraing everyday, going on television to insult people.

“Have you met the assembly people? there are leaders you should meet. It’s not to say I want peace, you must show by conduct and action taht you want it.”