Fubara’s visit to Wike, sacrifice for peace — Rivers elders

Governor Siminalayi Fubara's recent visit to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike was characterized by Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a member of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council and the first spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, as a sacrifice made for the sake of peace in Rivers State.

Speaking in response to the meeting, Sara-Igbe claimed that despite what he called Wike's aggressive approach, the suspended governor had continuously demonstrated a desire for peace.

"Unless the FCT Minister wishes to make it public, that discussion is not for public consumption," Sara-Igbe said. "We'll hear the outcome at the end of the day."

He praised Governor Fubara's action and emphasized that making personal sacrifices is frequently necessary for peace.

The governor naturally wants peace to prevail. Wike is the one who opposes peace, while the governor is seeking it. And you have to give up something if you want serenity. Without sacrifice, there can be no peace," he remarked.

"Everyone is governed by the governor. Pride isn't the issue. He went there in humility to talk, and they talked," he continued.

In a live media conference on Monday, Wike confirmed the meeting, saying that Governor Fubara had paid him a visit at his Port Harcourt home along with two governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress and an unidentified person.

Indeed, he arrived. He arrived with one other individual and two governors. Regretfully, I shall not pursue the two governors because they are APC governors. He said that he wants peace, which is all right. Wike declared, "I want peace."

However, the former governor of Rivers attributed Fubara's current political troubles to what he called "self-inflicted injury," claiming that the beleaguered governor had previously disregarded the counsel of allies and political leaders.

"I called him when this started. In addition to Seyi Makinde, Ortom, Ikpeazu, and Ugwuanyi were there. "This thing is not good for you," we told him as we sat him down. Since God has granted you this position, why not maintain your humility and resist pressure from others? Wike stated.

He was repeatedly instructed to behave like a governor. We're aware. That is unassailable—he is a governor. But all I'm trying to say is, don't desert those who have worked for you day and night.

In the meanwhile, Wike discussed the difficulties in the Federal Capital Territory, specifically those related to open grazing, and stated that measures were being taken to resolve the issue.

"The fact is that it makes no one happy. The minister pointed out that managing a government requires caution, unlike operating a private company.

A hundred hectares of land had previously been set aside for grazing reserves in the FCT, he revealed, but land grabbers' encroachment had made matters more difficult.