The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has not sought his forgiveness, despite calls from prominent figures for reconciliation.
Wike made this known through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, in response to an appeal by ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. In a recent statement addressing the Rivers State political crisis, Tompolo urged Wike to set aside his grievances and work toward unity.
Tompolo said, “And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems. Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all. We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again Fubara will return to his seat.”
Responding to Tompolo's appeal, Olayinka clarified that Wike had not received any apology or request for forgiveness from Fubara. He stated, “There is no offence. It is when somebody has offended you personally that you talk about forgiveness. As Christians, let’s assume Fubara offended the minister — has he come to seek forgiveness? You don’t forgive someone who hasn’t come to you to acknowledge the wrongdoing.”
Olayinka emphasized that reconciliation requires acknowledgment of wrongdoing. “The person who has wronged you must first admit to himself that he has done so and then seek forgiveness. In this case, that has not happened,” he said.
He also clarified that Wike had never accused Fubara of any personal offence, but had only urged the governor to govern in line with democratic principles and not to sideline those who contributed to his emergence as governor.
“The minister has never said Fubara offended him personally. He only said Fubara should uphold the rule of law and not abandon those who risked everything to support his rise to power. That’s not too much to ask. If there is anyone Fubara should say he has offended, it should be the President,” Olayinka added.
He further questioned the sudden shift in Fubara's attitude toward Wike, highlighting their former close working relationship.
“Fubara needs to reflect. When he was working with Wike, and when Wike was taking risks for him, Wike wasn’t a bad person. So at what point did Wike suddenly become someone he now wants to ‘deal with’? He needs to ask himself that.”
Olayinka concluded with a proverb: “You are begging a doctor to give medicine to someone who is sick, but you are not begging the sick person to take the medicine. What happens?
