Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has refuted rumors of his collapse and outlined his conditions for a genuine reconciliation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who was once his political protégé turned rival.
Wike made these statements on Friday during the platinum jubilee celebration of Honourable Ken Chikere in Port Harcourt, addressing the current tensions in Rivers State.
He stressed the importance of all key political actors being involved in any peace process, rather than it being just a superficial gesture.
“We are men of peace, not of trouble. 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,” he said.
Wike also blasted the silence of supposed elder statesmen and accused them of complicity in the crisis, querying the 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, stressing 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 added.
The former Rivers State Governor also denied viral rumours that he had collapsed and was flown abroad for treatment.
Wike pointed out that 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?
“Those who wish others to fall will be the ones to fall. And when you fall, it will be final,” he added.
