During a gathering in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, publicly acknowledged his mistake in endorsing Siminalayi Fubara as his successor for the governorship of Rivers State.
Wike humbly apologized to the people of the state for his misjudgment, recognizing that as a human, he is prone to errors. He reassured the citizens that steps would be taken to rectify the mistake at the appropriate time.
Wike said, “I want to say this clearly, in life when you have made a mistake, you say I have made a mistake, there is nothing you can do about it. I have made a mistake, I own it up and I say God forgive me and I will say all of you forgive me, but I will correct it at the appropriate time.
“I am a human being, I am bound to make mistake, my judgment can be wrong, so forgive me for making a wrong judgment. That is life, so nobody should kill himself.”
A few days ago, Governor Fubara was said to have thanked Wike for sponsoring his run for governor of Rivers State, but reiterated that he would not idolize him.
In what looks to be a direct response to Fubara’s statement, Wike explained during his speech that he never taught anyone to revere him since he recognizes he is not god.
Nonetheless, Wike emphasized the necessity of politicians expressing gratitude to those who assisted them in gaining office rather than demonstrating ingratitude.
“I respect people who appreciate what God has done for them, who appreciate what God has used people to do for them. God does not come down, God uses people to help people.
“So, when you are helped you appreciate them and then God will know that you have also appreciated him. I have never told anybody to worship me, nobody can worship man. All of us believe that we only have one God and it is only that God we worship and we will continue to worship that God. But as politicians, you appreciate people who have helped you,” Wike said.
A tense relationship has developed between Governor Fubara and his former political mentor, ex-governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, leading to a political turmoil in the state.
As Wike pledges to correct his mistake, the political landscape in Rivers State may see shifts and adjustments in the coming days.
The response from the public and political stakeholders to Wike’s declaration will be closely observed, as the state navigates its path forward in governance and leadership.