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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has not apologised to him and therefore forgiveness is not yet on the table....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>
According to Wike, forgiveness requires that the person who has done wrong must first acknowledge their wrongdoing and seek pardon.
Speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister was reacting to an appeal by Niger Delta ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who had urged him to forgive Fubara, his estranged political godson.
Tompolo, in a recent statement addressing the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, stressed the need for unity and restraint, calling on Wike to let go of his anger for the greater good.
“And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems. Wike is angry, but he has to calm down for the good of all. We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues. Fubara will return to his seat,” Tompolo said.
Responding to Tompolo’s plea, Wike, through his aide, stated:
“There is no offence. Forgiveness comes into play when someone has personally offended you. As Christians, let’s assume that Fubara has offended the minister—can you forgive someone who hasn’t come forward to seek forgiveness?”
Olayinka emphasized the importance of reconciliation, saying, “The person who has wronged you must first admit it, even in their heart. Let’s assume Fubara offended the minister—has he come to ask for forgiveness? I’m not saying there’s an offence and there must be forgiveness, but he hasn’t even made that move.”
According to Olayinka, Wike has not accused Fubara of a personal offence but has only advocated for proper governance.
“The minister never said Fubara offended him personally. He only emphasized that Fubara should govern in accordance with the rule of law and not abandon those who risked their lives and resources for his emergence. That’s not too much to ask. He said, ‘Don’t throw away those who made you governor.’ This isn’t about forgiveness. If Fubara owes anyone an apology, it should be the President.”
He also questioned the governor’s sudden shift in attitude towards Wike, pointing out that Fubara once worked closely with him.
“He needs to do some soul-searching. Throughout the time he was working with Wike—when Wike was taking risks for him—Wike wasn’t a bad person. So, at what point did Wike become the enemy? When did Fubara get bold enough to say he would deal with him? These are the questions he should ask himself.”
Using a proverb, Olayinka concluded: “You’re begging a doctor to prescribe medicine for a sick person, but you’re not asking the patient to take the medicine. What happens then…CONTINUE READING>>
