Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumours of his ill health and collapse while laying out conditions for any genuine reconciliation with his political protégé-turned-rival, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking on Friday at the platinum jubilee celebration of Honourable Ken Chikere in Port Harcourt, Wike addressed ongoing tensions in Rivers State. He stressed that while he is open to peace, it must involve all key political actors and not serve as a mere façade.
“We are men of peace, not of trouble,” he declared. “But it must be peace with sincerity, not peace as a decoy. Members of the State Assembly, the National Assembly, and the two major political parties must be involved.”
In what many interpreted as a swipe at Fubara’s supporters and some traditional leaders, Wike criticised the silence of supposed elder statesmen and accused them of complicity in the crisis. He questioned what tangible steps they had taken to foster lasting peace in the state.
The FCT Minister also took aim at what he described as media blackmail tactics, asserting that such approaches would not solve the political turmoil. “No amount of embarrassment or blackmail can bring peace. What can bring peace is humility and a sincere commitment to the interests of the state,” he said.
Wike used the platform to deny viral rumours that he had collapsed and was flown abroad for treatment. He explained he had travelled overseas to attend his son’s graduation, not for medical reasons.
“I am here. I am healthy—very, very well,” he said firmly. “Someone started spreading that I had collapsed. I was never sick. And even if I were, am I not a human being?”
The minister added humorously, “Those who wish others to fall will be the ones to fall. And when you fall, it will be final.”
Wike’s comments come amid persistent tensions between him and Governor Fubara, whom he had supported in the 2023 governorship election but has since fallen out with.
Their political rift has thrown Rivers State into a prolonged crisis, prompting a state of emergency declaration by President Bola Tinubu. Despite public attempts at a truce, analysts say the crisis remains far from resolved.