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By Myke Agunwa
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that the suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a victim of “self-inflicted” wound and should devise a means to wriggle out of the situation by himself.
Speaking during a media chat on Monday in Abuja, Wike who has a strained relationship with the governor, admitted that Fubara came with two All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to his house.
He further stated that Fubara was warned earlier against allowing political influences to mislead him, adding that the situation could have been avoided if he had listened to him.
Narrating efforts he made to ensure that his relationship with Fubara did not break down irretrievable, Wike continued,
“This is a self-inflicted injury. He doesn’t need it. When this thing started, I called him. Seyi Makinde, Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Umahi were there. We sat him down and said, This is not good for you. God has given it to you; don’t allow people to push you. You’re a governor, we know.
“Don’t forget people laboured day and night, and what I have said is don’t forget people who toiled day and night.”
He said that though Fubara came to his house seeking peace, he has not taken any extra steps, like meeting others who are hurting like the Speaker of the House of Assembly and other members, to ensure that peace returns to the state.
“Yes, he came with two governors, and unfortunately, the two of them are APC governors. He said he wants peace, and I said I want peace too.
“There are steps. You people think this is about saying I want peace; then you go. What that means is that there’s an open window for you. Take the necessary steps to show you want peace.
He accused an unnamed governor of influencing Fubara’s decisions and warned that failure to resolve the issues could prolong the crisis in Rivers State.
“I told him, go this way, and you will not have a problem. People came and said, Don’t mind him; assert yourself as governor.
“They declare a state of emergency; he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches him. Who suffers? Assuming you don’t settle this problem and the state of emergency is called off, has the problem ended?
“Assembly will still be the same as it has been. The crisis will still be there, and they won’t pass your budget or get federal allocation.
Wike also questioned Fubara’s ability to lead a genuine peace process, pointing to ongoing public attacks by his supporters. He stressed the need for concrete action, not just declarations, to mend the political rift.
“I told him, I don’t think you have the capacity to make peace. Your people are demonstrating every day, going on television to insult people.
“Have you met the assembly people? there are leaders you should meet. It’s not to say I want peace; you must show by conduct and action that you want it.”
According to reports, Fubara’s visit followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London, shortly after the president declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18.
The emergency measure included the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as administrator to oversee the state during this period.