Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has advised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to seek reconciliation with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rather than engage in prolonged political confrontation.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Fayose said many political leaders derive their strength from the platforms created by others and should not forget such political foundations.
“My own position is always clear. Fubara, my governor, all of them, got their strength from other people,” he said.
Fayose made the remarks against the backdrop of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, fuelled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, which has continued to destabilise governance in the state.
He stressed that humility and reconciliation are critical in leadership, citing examples from other states.
“Look at Kogi. Why are we not having issues in Kogi? Why is the governor being very humble? Whatever you say about Yahaya Bello, he doesn’t want to hear it. He remembers the day Yahaya Bello gave him that platform,” Fayose said.
Recalling advice he gave to his successor in Ekiti State, Fayose said he encouraged cooperation rather than conflict.
“I told my governor, whatever you feel about Governor Fayemi, don’t worry about that. Remember the day he gave you the platform. Don’t speak ill of him; cooperate with him,” he said, adding that the advice was appreciated.
Fayose also warned Fubara against challenging Wike’s political dominance in Rivers State, particularly over the informal title of “001.”
“There’s a difference between the office and 001. Who gave you the platform to call yourself the 001? It is not for Fubara to be contesting who the leader is. We all know the truth,” he said.
Appealing directly to the Rivers governor, Fayose urged him to prioritise peace.
“Please, Governor Fubara, I’m begging you, go and make amends and be at peace,” he said.
He dismissed claims that Fubara had fully resolved issues with Wike, arguing that apologies made under pressure are often insincere.
“Those people encouraging him to fight today will disappear if he goes down. I’ve been there before,” Fayose said.
The former governor warned that Fubara narrowly escaped political ruin and should learn from the experience.
“By now, Governor Fubara would have been history. Once you are impeached, you are out. You can’t contest again. It is time for him to learn,” he said.
Fayose concluded by urging Fubara to respect political mentorship and constitutional order.
“Climb down from your high horse, look for your brother, your leader — the man who gave you the platform to occupy the office of governor,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, accusing him of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, and defiance of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy.
The impeachment move follows months of political tension between Wike and Fubara, which has paralysed governance in the state since late 2023. While lawmakers have denied acting at Wike’s behest, reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu has intervened to calm the crisis.
