Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his recent reconciliation with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was guided by the greater interest of the state, insisting that no sacrifice is too great for peace, unity, and progress.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Fubara acknowledged the disappointment and concerns that followed the peace deal but stressed that difficult circumstances demand hard choices.
He explained that the decision to reconcile with his predecessor was not made in isolation.
According to him, extensive consultations were held with key stakeholders and members of his political camp to ensure a collective approach.
Fubara admitted that the unfolding political adjustments might be painful for some loyal supporters who stood by him during the state’s recent political turbulence.
However, he maintained that peace and stability must take precedence over personal or political sentiment.
Reflecting on the toll the crisis has taken on governance, the governor noted that several development projects had stalled.
He expressed hope that the reconciliation would help restore momentum in delivering key initiatives across the state.
Fubara said, “We have fought. I think, in my own assessment and in the assessment of anyone here who is genuine in this struggle, you will know that we have done what we need to do.
“At this point, if you want to be truthful to yourself, the only solution is peace. I did say that there’s no price that is too big for peace — I meant it, and I’m still ready to follow it to the end.
“Nobody can take away the role the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, played — that’s the truth. Yes, we might have our differences, but nobody here will say he doesn’t know the role he played.
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“Nobody can wish away the risk he took. Yes, at a point we had our differences and if today there’s need for us to settle, please, anyone who genuinely believes in me should understand that it’s the right thing to do.
“So, my dear fathers, brothers and sisters, no matter the level of peace that a mediator will arrange, the true peace is the one where both of you are sitting down together to say, “Yes, this is what we want.”
“It’s not even about me as a person — it’s about the overall interest of the state. In the midst of this crisis between me and the FCT Minister, look at the projects we’ve initiated. Many have been abandoned.
“We know the progress we would have recorded and the areas that would have been developed. So, there’s need for this peace — that’s the truth.
“I can’t abandon you people — that’s one thing I need to say here. This is the time for me to prove to you that I care for you, and I make my commitment here that whichever way it goes, I will not abandon anybody.
“But the sacrifice that we are going to make for us to achieve this total peace is going to be heavy, and I want everybody to prepare for it.”
