‘We’ve buried the hatchet’ — Fubara speaks on reconciling with Wike

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says he has reconciled with Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), after months of political hostilities.

In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara described the truce as a major step towards restoring stability in the state.

The governor said the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu was difficult but eventually paved the way for reconciliation.

“In the course of the six-month period, Mr President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully,” he said.

“Our leader, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, all members of the Rivers state house of assembly and I, as your governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers state.”

Fubara also called on Rivers residents to reflect on the lessons of the six-month emergency rule, stressing that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war”.

The governor also urged political leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to embrace the moment as a fresh beginning, warning against renewed division.

On Thursday, Wike also confirmed that he spoke with Fubara before the governor returned to Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital.

“I spoke with Fubara on Wednesday. I told him I was leaving for Abuja last night, and he told me he was going back to Rivers today, Thursday,” Wike said.

When asked if he had reconciled with the governor, the minister replied, “I don’t talk to someone who I have not forgiven.”

“The president has done a great deal for us, and peace has been restored,” Wike added.