The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has not approached him for forgiveness, insisting that reconciliation cannot take place without an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
Wike, speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, was responding to a recent appeal made by Niger Delta ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. In a statement addressing the Rivers political crisis, Tompolo urged Wike to let go of his anger and allow peace to reign.
Tompolo had said, “Just as I won’t tolerate rebellion from my son, I won’t also stoke more trouble. Wike is angry, but for the sake of peace, he should calm down. We will engage in dialogue and resolve all the issues. Fubara will return to his seat.”
Reacting to the plea, Olayinka stated, “Forgiveness requires the offender to first acknowledge the wrongdoing and seek pardon. Has Governor Fubara come forward to do that? Even assuming there was a personal offence, which the minister hasn’t claimed, reconciliation cannot begin until that step is taken.”
He clarified that Wike had never accused Fubara of any personal offence. “What Wike has said is that Fubara should uphold the principles of governance and not abandon those who played pivotal roles in his emergence as governor. That’s a call for fairness, not personal forgiveness.”
Olayinka also questioned Fubara’s shift in attitude, recalling the governor’s former loyalty to Wike. “When Wike stood by him, even at great risk, he wasn’t considered a bad person. At what point did Wike become an enemy deserving of such defiance? Fubara should reflect on that.”
Using a proverb to drive home his point, Olayinka added, “It’s like asking a doctor to offer medicine, but not asking the sick person to take it. What’s the use?”
