May 12, (THEWILL) – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that reconciliation efforts are ongoing to resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs pending the resolution of the crisis.
Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike confirmed that Fubara had visited him alongside two governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to initiate peace talks.
Wike said, “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.
“There are steps to these things. You don’t just say, ‘I want peace,’ and walk away. That’s only the beginning. You must follow through with actions that show you truly desire peace.”
Wike emphasised the need for a holistic reconciliation process involving all stakeholders, particularly members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Assuming the state of emergency is lifted without settling the root of the crisis, has anything really changed? The Assembly will remain as it is, the crisis will persist, budgets won’t be passed, and the state won’t receive federal allocations,” he said.
The FCT Minister also pointed out that ongoing public attacks by Fubara’s supporters could hinder peace efforts.
He added, “I told him, I don’t think you have the capacity to make peace. Your supporters are out there protesting every day, going on television to insult people. Have you met with members of the Assembly? There are key leaders you should engage. It’s not just about saying you want peace; your conduct must reflect it.”
Wike blamed Governor Fubara for the events that led to the political breakdown in the state, describing the situation as a “self-inflicted injury.”
“This is a self-inflicted wound. He doesn’t need all this. When it started, I called him. Seyi Makinde, Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Umahi were there. We sat him down and told him this wasn’t good for him. We reminded him that God had given him this opportunity, and he shouldn’t let people mislead him,” Wike said.
“I advised him on how to go about things peacefully. But then, some people told him to ignore me and assert himself. That’s how we got here,” he added.
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