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Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),has denied claims that he asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to abandon plans for a second term in 2027, dismissing reports of a political deal as mere speculation.
Wike stated this during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday in Abuja, addressing the rumour that Governor Siminalayi Fubara agreed to serve only one term for peace to reign in Rivers State.
Amid the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly met with Nyesom Wike and state lawmakers in a peace parley initiated by President Bola Tinubu.
Read also: Fubara absent as supporters troop out for resumption
According to reports, one of the major outcomes of the meeting was Fubara’s alleged agreement to abandon any ambition of seeking re-election in 2027.
It was also claimed that Fubara consented to let Wike select all the local government chairpersons across the state’s 23 LGAs.
All these agreements were said to have been made with Fubara’s involvement before the emergency rule was enforced.
However, Wike has dismissed allegations that the resolutions reached during the crisis were skewed in his favor.
“There is no truth to the claim that the resolutions favored me,” he said. “Every decision made had the governor’s full knowledge and participation.”
When questioned about reports that Fubara agreed to serve only a single term, Wike denied any such arrangement.
“Who said that? This is the first time I’m hearing such a thing,” he responded. “What we agreed on was the need for democratic governance, particularly at the local government level. That has now been achieved, and we are moving forward from there.”
Wike also stated that he has no plans to recommend anyone for commissioner roles in Fubara’s cabinet.
“Why would I impose anyone on the governor?” he asked. “Even if I made a suggestion, would the state collapse? I won’t do that. I have no candidates and don’t intend to present any.”
He also revealed that he spoke with Fubara on the phone the previous day, and they had agreed on ensuring a smooth transition for the state.
Read also: Wike says no law compels Fubara to resume Thursday
“Just yesterday, I spoke with the governor,” Wike said. “I told him I’d be leaving that night, and he mentioned he would travel this morning. So, by God’s grace, peace has returned.
Look at what the House of Assembly did today —it’s clear that peace is being restored, and we’re ready to move forward in the interest of the state.”
It would be recalled that, on Wednesday, President Tinubu officially lifted the state of emergency and directed Fubara, along with his deputy and the lawmakers, to resume their official duties on Thursday, September 18.
