Political Twist! Wike Speaks on Fubara Rift, Says ‘There Is No Sin

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara committed no wrongdoing by reconciling with his political camp, insisting that politics is about making decisions that serve the greater interest.

Wike said Governor Fubara ultimately had no option but to return to the political structure that supported his emergence as governor.

The former Rivers State governor made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

Reacting to suggestions that Fubara’s reconciliation amounted to seeking forgiveness after their prolonged political dispute, Wike dismissed the notion, arguing that politics should not be viewed through the lens of sin or personal grievance.

“I don’t know what you mean by sin. There is no sin in politics. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that,” Wike said.

“Politics is about recognising when you have taken the wrong path and making the necessary correction.”

The FCT minister recalled that he had previously predicted Fubara would eventually return to the political family that backed his rise to power.

According to him, the governor’s recent public declaration only confirmed what he had earlier anticipated.

“I said during my last media briefing that he had no choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has publicly made that declaration, and we welcome him with open arms,” he said.

“Our doors remain open. Everyone is free to come together so we can collectively move Rivers State forward. There is simply no better alternative.”

Relations between Wike and Fubara deteriorated shortly after the latter assumed office as governor, sparking a prolonged political crisis that divided the Rivers State House of Assembly and other political stakeholders.

Reconciliation Will Strengthen Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign

Wike also expressed confidence that Fubara’s return would strengthen the political structure ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s expected re-election bid in 2027.

He said the renewed unity within the political family would make it easier to mobilise support for the President in Rivers State.

“Now that he has publicly declared his return, we accept him wholeheartedly. There is nothing to conceal,” Wike stated.

“We will work together to ensure Rivers State delivers the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election.”

Wike Commends Progress on Major FCT Road Projects

The minister spoke while leading senior officials of the FCT Administration on an inspection of key infrastructure projects, including the ISEX Road Corridor and the Apo-Karshi Road.

He described both projects as critical to expanding the capital city’s road network, opening up new areas for development and stimulating economic growth.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the ISEX Road, noting that construction commenced immediately after President Tinubu officially flagged off the project during activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

According to him, the contractor has assured the FCT Administration that substantial portions of the project will be completed in time for commissioning in December.

The 10-kilometre road project, which includes major interchanges, was originally awarded in 2014 but remained unfinished under previous administrations.

Wike disclosed that the contractor plans to complete six kilometres of the road alongside the major interchanges before the end of the year, provided adequate funding is released.

“We have appealed to the Minister of Finance because the project has already been captured in the national budget. Once part of the approved funds is released, the contractor will be in a position to meet the completion timeline,” he said.

The minister described the project as a major infrastructure investment that would significantly improve transportation and transform the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that the progress recorded on both the Apo-Karshi Road and the ISEX Road reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to completing viable inherited projects rather than abandoning them.

According to Wike, President Tinubu directed the FCT Administration upon assuming office in 2023 to prioritise abandoned but economically important projects in order to protect public resources already invested in them.

He argued that effective governance requires continuity, regardless of which administration initiated a project.

“Some leaders believe they should only complete projects they personally initiated, but that is not responsible leadership,” Wike said.

“Good governance means completing projects that are beneficial to the people, transform the city and stimulate economic development. We are satisfied with the progress being made by the contractors, and it is now our responsibility to fulfil our own obligations so these projects can be delivered on schedule.”