Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has advised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to seek reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rather than engage in prolonged political confrontation.
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, Fayose said Governor Fubara, like many political leaders, rose to power through the support and influence of others, stressing the need for humility and gratitude in leadership.
According to Fayose, the ongoing rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor has continued to fuel political instability in Rivers State. He urged the governor to prioritise peace and reconciliation, noting that political loyalty and mentorship should not be disregarded.
Drawing examples from other states, Fayose pointed to Kogi State, where he said the governor has maintained stability by showing humility and respect for political benefactors. He also recalled advice he gave to his own successor in Ekiti State, encouraging cooperation rather than conflict with predecessors.
Fayose warned Governor Fubara against challenging Wike’s influence in Rivers politics, describing Wike as the political “001” of the state. He said while Fubara holds constitutional office, it is not his place to openly contest Wike’s leadership status, adding that the political realities are widely known.
The former governor appealed directly to Fubara to make genuine efforts at reconciliation, stressing that apologies made merely to ease tension are different from sincere remorse. He cautioned that political allies urging confrontation may abandon the governor if the situation worsens.
Fayose also referenced recent impeachment threats against Fubara, noting that such actions could have permanently ended his political career. He said the intervention of President Bola Tinubu helped stabilise the situation, urging Fubara to learn from past political experiences and avoid repeating mistakes.
He concluded by calling on Governor Fubara to respect both constitutional responsibilities and political mentorship, urging him to “climb down from his high horse,” seek peace, and acknowledge the role Wike played in his emergence as governor.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Fubara of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, and defiance of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy.
The impeachment move comes amid the prolonged feud between Wike and Fubara, a crisis that has unsettled Rivers State politics since late 2023. The dispute is believed to centre on control of the state’s political structure, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the State Assembly.
While lawmakers have denied acting on Wike’s influence, reports indicate that President Tinubu has stepped in to mediate the conflict.