The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has yet to apologise to him—making forgiveness premature.
Wike, speaking through his media aide Lere Olayinka, responded to a recent appeal from ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who urged him to forgive Fubara for the sake of peace and unity in Rivers State.
Tompolo, commenting on the ongoing crisis in the state, stressed the importance of dialogue and reconciliation. “Just as I wouldn’t tolerate rebellion from my son, I also won’t create more problems. Wike may be angry, but he should calm down for the greater good. We will resolve the issues, and Fubara will return to his role,” he said.
Reacting to this, Wike’s aide said, “Forgiveness comes when someone acknowledges they’ve done wrong. Assuming Fubara did offend the minister, has he sought forgiveness? You don’t forgive someone who hasn’t asked for it.”
Olayinka clarified that Wike never accused Fubara of a personal offense but emphasized the need for good governance and loyalty. “The minister only urged Fubara to follow the rule of law and not abandon those who supported him. That’s not too much to ask. If anyone deserves an apology, it’s the President.”
He also questioned the governor’s shift in attitude toward Wike, noting that Fubara once worked closely with him. “Wike wasn’t a bad person when he stood by Fubara. So, when did that change? Fubara should do some soul-searching.”
Using a metaphor, Olayinka concluded, “You’re asking a doctor to give medicine to the sick, but you’re not asking the sick person to take the medicine. What good will that do?”