Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that he recently spoke with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and confirmed the governor’s readiness to return to Rivers State.
Wike made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday. He noted that he had forgiven Fubara and emphasized the need to move forward after months of political tension.
“I have already said we’ve been speaking. I cannot engage a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. I am not the kind of politician who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward,” Wike said.
The minister, however, criticized those opposing peace in the state. According to him, some individuals were twisting the law and raising concerns about local government elections without taking responsibility to prevent the alleged irregularities. He praised President Bola Tinubu for restoring stability through the lifting of the six-month emergency rule.
When asked about Fubara’s exact location, Wike remarked: “I am not his chief of staff or protocol officer.”
Fubara Yet to Resume in Port Harcourt
Politics Nigeria reports that Governor Fubara did not return to the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, despite the end of the emergency rule that suspended him, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly in March.
From 6 a.m., thousands of supporters gathered at the Government House gates, hoping to welcome him. By midday, most dispersed as Fubara’s whereabouts remained uncertain.
Notably, sacked local government chairmen loyal to Fubara — including Chijoke Ihunwo of Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati of Port Harcourt City — were present. However, allies of Wike and newly elected council chairmen loyal to him were absent.
During the emergency period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as the sole administrator of the state.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened at its conference hall, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule presiding. Lawmakers have begun probing state finances under Ibas’s administration and have requested that Governor Fubara submit a list of commissioner-nominees for screening.
