EXCLUSIVE: I Only Told Fubara Not to Throw Away Those Who Made Him Governor-Wike Breaks Silence Amid Peace Call

According to a report published by Punch, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, after the ex-militant leader called on him to forgive the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. Wike made it clear that Fubara has not sought forgiveness from him, and thus, there was no reason to consider reconciliation at this point.

Wike, speaking through his media aide Lere Olayinka, explained that forgiveness could only be considered if the person in question acknowledged their wrongdoings and asked for pardon. He emphasized that forgiveness only applies when someone has personally offended you, making it unnecessary for reconciliation without such an acknowledgment. Olayinka further stressed that the person who has wronged you must first recognize that they have done wrong before forgiveness can be sought.

Tompolo, who is closely associated with the Niger Delta region, had urged Wike to set aside his anger for the good of the people, proposing that they should have a dialogue to resolve the issues and allow Fubara to return to his seat. He likened the situation to a father-son relationship, stating that just as he would not accept rebellion from his son, he would not cause more problems in the matter.

However, Wike’s camp made it clear that there was no personal offense in this matter. Olayinka stressed that Wike had only called for adherence to the rule of law and good governance, insisting that Fubara should govern according to the law and not disregard those who had risked their lives and resources for him. “The minister has never said that Fubara offended him personally. He only said that Fubara should govern in accordance with the rule of law and that Fubara should not throw away those who risked their lives and resources and that is not too much to ask. He said, ‘Those who worked to make you governor, don’t throw them away like that.’ So, that is not about forgiveness. If there is one person Fubara would say he has offended, it should be the President.”

Additionally, Wike’s aides questioned the dramatic shift in Fubara’s behavior, given their past collaboration. Olayinka pointed out that Fubara should ask himself when Wike had become a bad person to him, considering their history together. He further made a poignant analogy, questioning what would happen if you begged a doctor to provide medicine for a sick person, but the person refused to take it.Wike’s response casts doubt on any immediate reconciliation, signaling that Fubara needs to first recognize his actions and seek forgiveness if he hopes for any resolution.