FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has broken his silence following the plea by ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, urging him to forgive Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike stated emphatically that Fubara has not made any move to seek forgiveness and, therefore, has not earned it.
Tompolo had recently stepped into the lingering political crisis between Wike and Fubara, calling for unity and urging Wike to put aside his grievances for the peace of Rivers State. In his appeal, Tompolo likened the situation to a father and son at odds, urging dialogue and reconciliation, saying, “Just like I won’t accept rebellion from my son, I also won’t cause more problems. Wike must calm down for the greater good.”
Olayinka, reacting on behalf of the minister on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, said forgiveness is not automatic and must be preceded by repentance and acknowledgement of wrongdoing. “Even if we assume that Fubara offended the minister, has he come to ask for forgiveness? There’s no indication of that,” he said, stressing that the minister has never described the matter as personal.
According to Olayinka, Wike’s concerns remain rooted in governance principles. He said Wike only urged Fubara not to abandon those who fought politically and financially to install him as governor, adding, “He never said Fubara wronged him personally. He just asked for loyalty to the rule of law and fairness to those who stood by him.”
The statement questioned Fubara’s change in attitude, stating that while serving under Wike, he never considered him an enemy. “At what point did the man who risked everything for you suddenly become someone you’d boldly confront and say you’d deal with?” Olayinka asked, pressing for a self-reflection from the embattled governor.
He also used a metaphor to drive home the point: “You’re asking a doctor to give medicine to a sick person, but the sick person isn’t ready to take the medicine. What then happens?” he asked. This, according to him, explains the futility of external pleas like Tompolo’s when the main party in the conflict hasn’t sought peace.
The political rift between Wike and Fubara, both of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), continues to polarize the state and attract national attention. While President Tinubu’s earlier intervention created temporary calm, recent developments show the feud is far from resolved.
