Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has expressed doubt over the sincerity and ability of suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara to foster genuine peace in the state.
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike disclosed that Fubara recently visited him in the company of two governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Though he declined to give full details of their conversation, Wike said he was candid during the meeting.
“I told him, ‘I don’t think you really have the capacity to make this peace,’” Wike stated.
He faulted the governor’s approach, noting that while Fubara claims to be seeking reconciliation, his close associates continue to appear on national television making inflammatory remarks and attacking others.
“You can’t be preaching peace while your aides are on TV every day abusing people. That’s not how to build peace,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister emphasized that beyond visiting him, Fubara must engage with other key stakeholders—such as the State House of Assembly, the party leadership, and other political players—if he truly desires lasting peace in Rivers State.
“Yes, he came. He came with two governors and one other person. Unfortunately, the two governors are APC governors, so I will not pursue them. And he said he wants peace, fine. I want peace,” Wike said.
He described the experiences of the embattled governor as “self-inflicted injury”, noting that he had previously invited the governor, in the presence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, and former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, noting, however, that Fubara had failed to heed their advice.
He added that, “Indeed, this is a self-inflicted injury. He does not need it. When this thing started, I called him, Seyi Makinde was there, Ortom was there, Ikpeazu was there, Ugwuanyi was there, we were scouting.
“We sat him down and said this thing is not good for you. God has given you this thing, why not be humble and not allow people to push you? They are telling you to act like a governor. We know. Nobody is taking it away; you are a governor. But all I am saying is don’t abandon people who laboured for you day and night,” he said.
