“Fubara Has Not Sought Forgiveness” — Wike Replies Tompolo

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has said that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has not asked for forgiveness, despite calls from prominent figures urging reconciliation. Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike responded to a recent appeal by former Niger Delta militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, who called on him to forgive Fubara for the sake of peace in Rivers State.

Tompolo had urged Wike to set aside his anger and pursue dialogue to resolve the ongoing political crisis, emphasizing unity and restraint. However, Wike’s camp insists that forgiveness is only possible when the offending party acknowledges wrongdoing and seeks reconciliation.

“There is no offence. It is when somebody has offended you personally that you talk about seeking forgiveness,” Olayinka said. “Let’s assume that Fubara has offended the minister—do you forgive someone who has not come to you to seek forgiveness?”

Olayinka further clarified that Wike has not accused Fubara of any personal offence. Instead, he said the minister has only stressed the importance of good governance and loyalty to those who supported Fubara’s rise to power. “The minister has never said that Fubara offended him personally. He only said that Fubara should govern in accordance with the rule of law and not discard those who risked their lives and resources to support him,” he said.

Reflecting on the evolution of their relationship, Olayinka questioned the shift in Fubara’s attitude toward Wike. “When Wike was supporting him and facing challenges on his behalf, he wasn’t a bad person. So at what point did he become someone Fubara now wants to ‘deal with’?” he asked.

Concluding with a metaphor, Olayinka said, “You are begging a doctor to provide medicine for someone that is sick, but you are not begging the person that is sick to take the medicine. What happens?”