Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed he has spoken with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and assured that the reinstated governor is ready to return following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Wike said he had already reconciled with Fubara.
“I have already said that we’ve been speaking. I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over.
“I am not a politician who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward,” the former Rivers governor stated.
He accused unnamed individuals of attempting to stir unrest in the state through legal and political arguments over local government elections.
“Unfortunately, there are people who do not want peace.
“They pontificate and shout as if they have solutions, but do nothing except attempt to create crisis. The president has done a great deal for us, and peace has been restored,” he said.
Pressed further on Fubara’s exact location, Wike said he was neither the governor’s chief of staff nor his chief protocol officer, suggesting he could not give details.
Governor Fubara was absent from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, a day after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule that suspended the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, and the State House of Assembly in March.
Thousands of supporters who had gathered at the gates of Government House from as early as 6 a.m. dispersed by midday when it became clear that the governor would not appear.
Among them were sacked local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, including Chijoke Ihunwo of Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati of Port Harcourt City.
Newly elected council chairmen seen as Wike loyalists were absent.
During the emergency period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as sole administrator of the state.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened on Thursday at the legislative quarters conference hall, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule presiding.
Lawmakers have since opened a probe into the state’s finances under Ibas and directed Fubara to forward a list of commissioner-nominees for screening