The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has not apologised to him, making forgiveness an issue that hasn’t even begun.
Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike explained that forgiveness can only follow an acknowledgement of wrongdoing and a genuine request for pardon.
This response comes following an appeal by Niger Delta ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who urged Wike to forgive Fubara amidst the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Tompolo had called for calm and unity, advising Wike to set aside personal grievances for the collective interest.
“In the same way I wouldn’t tolerate rebellion from my son, I won’t worsen the situation either,” Tompolo said in a recent statement. “Wike is angry, but he needs to calm down for the sake of everyone. We will dialogue and resolve the outstanding issues—Fubara will return to his position.”
Reacting to this call, Wike, through Olayinka, stated: “Forgiveness comes into play only when someone admits they’ve done wrong. Has Fubara come forward to seek forgiveness? As Christians, we’re taught to forgive—but how do you forgive someone who hasn’t even acknowledged any wrongdoing?”
Olayinka emphasised that the reconciliation process begins with personal accountability. “Let’s assume Fubara did offend the minister—has he made any move to seek forgiveness? It’s not about saying there is an offence and then forgiveness must follow. There has been no such step from Fubara.”
He further clarified that Wike has not accused Fubara of any personal offence, but has only emphasised the importance of good governance and loyalty.
“The minister never said Fubara personally offended him,” Olayinka continued. “He only stressed that the governor should adhere to the rule of law and not abandon those who supported him—people who risked everything to make him governor. That’s not asking for too much. If there’s anyone Fubara owes an apology to, it’s the President, not Wike.”
He also questioned the governor’s recent hostility towards Wike, considering their previous working relationship.
“Fubara should reflect deeply. Throughout the period, he worked with Wike—when Wike was taking bullets for him, Wike wasn’t seen as a bad person. So, when did that change? At what point did Wike become someone he now claims he will ‘deal with’? He should ask himself those questions.”
Using a metaphor, Olayinka concluded: “It’s like asking a doctor to prescribe medicine for a patient who refuses to take it. What’s the point?”
