Wike agrees for peace with Fubara

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked rumours making the rounds that he collapsed.

This was as the minister laid out conditions for any genuine reconciliation with his political protégé-turned-rival, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

Wike, who stated this on Friday at the platinum jubilee celebration of Honourable Ken Chikere in Port Harcourt, addressed ongoing tensions in Rivers State.

The Minister emphasized that while he is open to peace, it must involve all key political actors and not serve as a mere façade.

“We are men of peace, not of trouble. But it must be peace with sincerity, not peace as a decoy. Members of the State Assembly, the National Assembly, and the two major political parties must be involved,” he said.

Wike also blasted the silence of supposed elder statesmen and accused them of complicity in the crisis, querying the tangible steps they had taken to foster lasting peace in the state.

The FCT Minister also took aim at what he described as media blackmail tactics, stressing that such approaches would not solve the political turmoil.

“No amount of embarrassment or blackmail can bring peace. What can bring peace is humility and a sincere commitment to the interests of the state,” he added.

The former Rivers State Governor also denied viral rumours that he had collapsed and was flown abroad for treatment.

Wike pointed out that he had travelled overseas to attend his son’s graduation, not for medical reasons.

“I am here. I am healthy—very, very well,” he said firmly. “Someone started spreading that I had collapsed. I was never sick. And even if I were, am I not a human being?

“Those who wish others to fall will be the ones to fall. And when you fall, it will be final,” he added.

His comments come following persistent tensions between him and Governor Fubara, whom he had supported in the 2023 governorship election but has since fallen out with.

Reports revealed that their political rift has thrown Rivers State into a prolonged crisis, prompting a state of emergency declaration by President Bola Tinubu.