Wike Rejects Tompolo’s Peace Offer, Says Fubara Has Not Sought Forgiveness

Wike says Fubara never sought forgiveness despite Tompolo’s peace call. Political fireworks in Rivers escalate. Full details inside.

… Says “You Don’t Forgive Someone Who Hasn’t Sought Forgiveness” as Rift Deepens in Rivers State Power Struggle

The political cold war in Rivers State has taken a fresh turn as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed a public reconciliation call by ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo), over his ongoing face-off with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike, in a bold and unapologetic response issued through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, declared that no genuine effort had been made by Governor Fubara to seek forgiveness. He said forgiveness isn’t automatic and must follow a personal acknowledgment of wrongdoing—something Fubara has allegedly failed to do.

“You don’t forgive someone who hasn’t sought forgiveness,” Olayinka stated, laying bare the minister’s position on the matter.

This comes after Tompolo, revered in Niger Delta circles, made a public appeal asking Wike to “bring down his temper” and allow peace to reign in Rivers State. In his words:

“Just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems. Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all… We will have a dialogue.”

But Wike’s camp is far from convinced.

According to Olayinka, “The minister has never said that Fubara offended him personally. But let’s assume Fubara has—has he come to say ‘I’m sorry’? That’s the first step. You can’t give what you haven’t asked for. Even as Christians, forgiveness follows repentance.”

He further clarified that Wike’s concern wasn’t personal but principled.

“He [Wike] simply asked that Fubara govern according to the rule of law. He warned him not to discard those who risked everything to make him governor. That’s not asking too much.”

Wike’s aide also took a swipe at Fubara’s change in loyalty:

“When Wike stood in the gap for Fubara, faced political bullets on his behalf, he was not a bad man. So, at what point did Wike become an enemy? At what point did Fubara become bold enough to say he’d deal with him?”

He concluded with a biting proverb:

“It’s like asking a doctor to prescribe medicine for a patient who refuses to take it—what’s the result?”

This dramatic exchange further exposes the deep rift between Wike and Fubara, one that no amount of third-party intervention appears able to immediately mend.