Wike to Tompolo: No Governor Fubara Apology Yet

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has responded to ex-Niger Delta militant ex-leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo’s recent calls for reconciliation by stating that the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has not made any apology or forgiveness request.

Tompolo, in his open pronouncement to diffuse the political tension in Rivers State, had invited Wike to set aside his grievances for the sake of peace and unity. He had addressed Wike as an elder who, as a father, occasionally must hold back when dealing with rebellion.

And just like I will not tolerate rebellion from my son, I will also not create more problems,” Tompolo added. “Wike is angry, but he needs to bring his temper down for the sake of all. We will sit down and resolve all issues outstanding, and once again Fubara will return to his seat.”.

Consequently, Wike, in a statement via his media advisor, Lere Olayinka, provided an explanation that no effort had been made by Governor Fubara to apologize or seek pardon. “There is no apology, and there is no basis for forgiveness,” Olayinka elaborated. “It is when someone has wronged you personally that you say forgiveness. Even as Christians, forgiveness usually comes after a concession of error and a plea for pardon. Has Fubara done so? No.”

Olayinka explained that Wike’s position had always been one of governance and principle, not personal insult. “The Minister never said Fubara personally offended him. What he said was simple: govern according to the rule of law and don’t dump those who voted for you. Those who risked their lives and resources to vote for you as governor shouldn’t be dumped. That’s not about forgiveness—it’s about principles.”

He also said if anyone deserved an apology, it would be President Bola Tinubu, indicating that some of Fubara’s more recent moves must have more meaning than a simple personal feud with Wike.

The current political crisis in Rivers State, which began shortly after Fubara’s inauguration in 2023, has seen a call for reconciliation, especially by Niger Delta actors who fear that the fallout would destabilize the state and slow down governance.

Despite pressure being mounted by traditional leaders, political allies, and civil society, the two parties have yet to see eye-to-eye, with the tension and uncertainty prevailing.

As pressure for peace and negotiations grows, onlookers say the outcome of this high-wire standoff might have long-term implications for Rivers State politics and wider political arithmetic within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).