The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has not approached him to seek forgiveness, despite growing calls for reconciliation.
Wike made the comment through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, in response to an appeal by ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Recall that Tompolo has recently in a statement, called for unity, urging Wike to forgive his estranged political protégé for the sake of peace in Rivers State.
Tompolo had said, “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, Wike’s aide emphasized that forgiveness is only possible when the person involved acknowledges wrongdoing.
“As Christians, let’s assume Fubara offended the minister. Do you forgive someone who hasn’t come to seek forgiveness?” Olayinka asked. “He must first admit in his heart that he has done wrong. Has Fubara done that?”
Olayinka also clarified that Wike never claimed Fubara offended him personally. “The minister only called for good governance and respect for those who supported Fubara’s rise to power. He’s asking that they not be discarded, which is not too much to ask.”
He questioned Fubara’s shift in attitude towards Wike, noting their previously close working relationship. “When did Wike suddenly become the enemy? Fubara should reflect on that.”
Using a proverb to conclude his point, Olayinka said, “You are begging a doctor to provide medicine for someone sick, but you are not begging the patient to take the medicine. What happens?”
