The Rivers Elders Council and pioneer spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a gesture made in the interest of peace in Rivers State.
Reacting to the meeting, Sara-Igbe praised Governor Fubara’s consistent efforts toward reconciliation, contrasting them with what he termed Wike’s confrontational approach.
“That discussion is not for public consumption unless the FCT Minister chooses to reveal it,” Sara-Igbe said. “In the end, we’ll see the outcome.”
He applauded the governor’s humility and willingness to put the state’s stability above personal pride.
“Governor Fubara wants peace. He has shown it repeatedly. Peace often requires sacrifice, and he’s making that sacrifice. A governor must lead all people — it’s not about ego,” he added.
Confirming the meeting, Wike stated during a media chat on Monday that Governor Fubara visited him at his Port Harcourt residence, accompanied by two governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and another unnamed individual.
“Yes, he came. He came with two APC governors and someone else. He said he wants peace — that’s fine. I also want peace,” Wike said.
However, the former Rivers governor blamed Fubara’s current political troubles on what he described as “self-inflicted injuries,” accusing him of ignoring the advice of political leaders and close allies.
“When all of this began, we sat him down — myself, Seyi Makinde, Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Ugwuanyi. We told him: ‘God gave you this position. Be humble, don’t let others mislead you.’ But he wouldn’t listen,” Wike recounted.
He stressed that while no one is questioning Fubara’s authority as governor, loyalty to those who supported him should not be discarded. “No one’s denying he is the governor, but don’t forget those who laboured day and night for your success,” he said.
On matters relating to the Federal Capital Territory, Wike also addressed concerns about open grazing. He acknowledged public dissatisfaction and said the government is working toward a solution.
“Nobody’s happy with the situation. But governance isn’t like managing private business — you must act with caution,” he said.
Wike revealed that a 100-hectare area was initially designated as a grazing reserve in the FCT, but land encroachment by unauthorized developers has complicated enforcement efforts.
