Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has addressed remarks made by Sim Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State.
Fubara on Sunday he is unwilling to return to office because he felt his spirit had left.
Wike while reacting expressed skepticism about Fubara’s statement, revealing that politicians often make statements to gain public sympathy.
He spoke during monthly press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
“Fubara made a comment yesterday which I feel for him. He doesn’t need to be under this kind of situation if he had listened to people who put themselves down despite all odds and said no we will use him.
“Yet, you can’t calm down just within 100 days in office? What kind of pushing will people push you.
“How do I know his spirit is not there? We are politicians and we can say things to attract public sympathy. I’m not carried away by all these things.
“In reality, how would I know his spirit has left? I don’t know. I’m open for peace.”
Wike pointed out that even if the state of emergency in the state comes to an end, the underlying problems would persist unless real efforts were made to resolve the issues.
He also commented on the ongoing protests and public insults directed at leaders, questioning how one could genuinely seek peace under such conditions.
Concluding his remarks, Wike reiterated his willingness to work toward peace but expressed doubts about Fubara’s true commitment to such a resolution.
He said: “They were pushing him, where are the governors now. Assuming now you don’t settle this problem and the state of emergency ends, has the problem ended? No.
“Assembly will still be the same as they have been, so the crisis will still be there. They will not pass your budget and you won’t get money from the federal allocation.
“I told him ‘I don’t think you have the capacity to really make this peace because it’s very easy. That is why when I read what I read yesterday, I felt so bad.
“Why? If you are making peace, your people are demonstrating everyday, insulting people, how do you feel about that peace?”.
