Wike rejects Tompolo’s peace offer, says Fubara must first seek forgiveness

DDM News

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed peace calls from ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, Tompolo had urged Wike to forgive the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, for the sake of unity in the state.

Wike, however, through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, said reconciliation cannot happen unless Fubara first acknowledges wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness.

“You don’t talk about forgiveness when the person who allegedly offended you hasn’t even come forward to ask for it,” Olayinka stated.

This comment marks a significant setback to peace efforts in Rivers State, where a political feud between Wike and Fubara has destabilized the state’s administration.

Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State for eight years, was instrumental in Fubara’s rise to the governorship during the 2023 elections.

Shortly after Fubara assumed office, cracks appeared in their relationship, with accusations flying over loyalty and governance direction.

Wike’s camp has repeatedly accused the governor of political betrayal and abandoning the political family that brought him to power.

Tompolo, reacting to the deepening political crisis, recently urged Wike to drop his anger and embrace peace in the interest of the Niger Delta.

In his statement, Tompolo said, “Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all.”

He added, “We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again Fubara will return to his seat.”

Tompolo, now a prominent voice for peace in the region, stressed that rebellion should be discouraged, but peace must also be pursued with fairness.

Responding to Tompolo’s appeal, Wike’s aide challenged the logic behind seeking peace without repentance.

“Let’s assume Fubara has offended the minister  has he sought forgiveness?” Olayinka questioned.

He insisted that reconciliation cannot take place unless the party accused of wrongdoing takes the first step toward making peace.

Olayinka further clarified that Wike has not claimed any personal offense from Fubara.

Rather, he said Wike is concerned about the direction of governance and Fubara’s abandonment of political allies.

“The minister has never said Fubara offended him personally,” Olayinka explained.

“He only urged him to govern in line with the rule of law and not to abandon those who risked their lives and resources to make him governor,” he said.

According to Wike’s aide, the minister only wants accountability and a return to agreed-upon principles.

He also questioned Fubara’s sudden change of loyalty.

“At what point did Wike become the enemy?” he asked.

Olayinka pointed out that the governor once worked loyally with Wike and benefited greatly from his political sacrifices.

“When Wike was taking bullets for him, he wasn’t a bad person. So, what changed?” he added.

The rift between the two political figures has paralyzed the state’s political machinery and created sharp divisions within the ruling party.

Observers say the fallout could affect the political fortunes of both men unless a genuine reconciliation process is initiated.

However, Wike’s firm stance suggests that the road to peace will be difficult unless Fubara initiates the process.

Meanwhile, Rivers residents and stakeholders continue to watch the unfolding drama with concern.

Many fear the political tension could negatively impact governance and development in the oil-rich state.

Tompolo’s intervention, though well-meaning, may not be enough to bridge the widening gulf between Wike and Fubara.

Until Fubara makes a move to seek peace, Wike appears unwilling to soften his position.

For now, the Rivers crisis remains unresolved, with both leaders standing firm on opposing ends of the political divide.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook