The lingering political rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, continues to dominate public discourse, with Wike maintaining that forgiveness is not even on the table—because Fubara has not sought it.
Wike, speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, made it clear that the Rivers governor has neither acknowledged any wrongdoing nor extended an apology. This came in response to a public appeal by prominent ex-Niger Delta militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who urged Wike to forgive Fubara for the sake of peace and unity in Rivers State.
Tompolo had earlier called for restraint from both parties, appealing to Wike to temper his anger and prioritize the unity of Rivers State. “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 said in his statement addressing the crisis.
Reacting to this, Olayinka dismissed the idea of forgiveness without a genuine request from Fubara. He questioned, “As Christians, let’s assume Fubara has offended the Minister. Do you forgive someone who hasn’t come to seek forgiveness? Forgiveness starts with admission of guilt. Has Fubara done that?”
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He further stressed that reconciliation must be intentional and sincere, adding, “The person who has wronged you must first acknowledge it. In this case, Fubara hasn’t made any such move. We’re not even saying he has committed an offence, but if he did, he hasn’t come forward for reconciliation.”
Olayinka clarified that Wike has never claimed to be personally offended by Fubara. Rather, Wike’s concerns have been centered on the governor’s style of leadership and the need to uphold political loyalty and governance principles. “The Minister has only said Fubara should not sideline those who made sacrifices for his emergence as governor. That’s not too much to ask. If Fubara owes anyone an apology, it should be the President, not Wike,” he said.
Questioning Fubara’s recent stance towards his former political benefactor, Olayinka asked, “When did Wike become the bad guy? Fubara should reflect. During the time Wike was fighting political battles for him, he wasn’t seen as evil. Now, what changed?”
In a final metaphorical jab, Olayinka stated, “You’re asking a doctor to provide medicine for a sick person, but you’re not asking the patient to take the medicine. What do you expect to happen?”
