Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday revealed that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, visited him alongside two All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to seek reconciliation.
Addressing reporters in Abuja, Wike confirmed the meeting, stating, “He said he wants peace, and I also want peace.” But he warned that Fubara must take “necessary steps” to restore lasting peace in Rivers State.
The rift between the former allies erupted after Fubara took office in 2023, culminating in President Bola Tinubu suspending the governor and declaring a state of emergency in the state, with a Sole Administrator appointed in his stead.
“This is a self-inflicted injury,” Wike said of Fubara’s political troubles. “When it started, I called him and said, ‘This is not good for you. God gave this to you, why not handle it humbly and not allow people push you?’”
Wike dismissed claims of internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, saying, “The government is not the party. Government can work with the party, but there’s no problem with PDP in my state.”
He also lashed out at business mogul Atedo Peterside, who allegedly referred to some appointees as “riff-raffs.” Wike shot back, “PHD holders are riff-raffs because they couldn’t establish a bank? That’s extreme.”
Wike further disclosed a conversation he had with the late banker Herbert Wigwe, urging him to contribute more to his home state.
“I told him, you’re always flying from Lagos, but what have you done for Rivers? He came back two weeks later and said he would set up a world-class university.”
