EXTRA: I weep whenever I remember how Fubara betrayed me, says Wike

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says he is moved to tears whenever he reflects on the “betrayal” by Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers state.

Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike said Fubara gave himself as a “tool” for those who wanted to fight him but could not do so directly.

The FCT minister said the suspended governor “betrayed” him by working with those who wanted his downfall, adding that he played a major role in Fubara’s emergence as governor

Wike likened the situation to a son who connived with armed robbers to rob his father.

The FCT minister said resolution of the crisis in Rivers rests with Fubara, adding that he is ready for reconciliation if the suspended governor wants “genuine peace”.

“He (Fubara) gave himself as a tool for those who could not fight me directly,” Wike said.

“Sometimes, when I go back in my quiet moment, I play the video of the speeches of the governor — what he said and did to me, I weep. Was it necessary?

“This is somebody who brought you, gave you food and everything. Then you became a tool for his enemies to fight him. We are all humans

“When people say, there should be peace. Nobody said there should not be peace.

“How will you feel? You know what you passed through by sending your son to school and to make him a human being. All of a sudden, your son with other people came in with a gun to shoot you. Is it something that you will just forget?

“I have told people who do not understand what betrayal means that they may be betrayed 10 times more than this. That is my prayer.

“I have said I want peace but you must show that the peace you want is genuine and you must have taken steps.”

THE FEUD BETWEEN WIKE AND FUBARA

Wike, a former governor of Rivers, played a major role in the emergence of Fubara, his successor, as the governor of the state.

Since 2023, the cordial relationship between the duo has turned sour over the political control of the state.

The conflict between the duo led to the division in the Rivers state house of assembly amid multiple legal suits.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the political crisis in the state.

He also suspended Fubara as governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.