The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday defended the reconciliation between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that the governor committed no offence by returning to the political family that brought him to power.
Wike said there was nothing unusual about political realignments, maintaining that politics allows individuals to correct perceived mistakes and move forward in the interest of unity and development.
The minister spoke while briefing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects, including the ISEX Road Corridor and the Apo-Karshi Road in the Federal Capital Territory.
His comments followed Fubara’s recent declaration that he had reunited with Wike’s political camp, endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term and pledged support for the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Reacting to claims that the Rivers governor had been “forgiven” after months of political disagreement, Wike rejected the suggestion, saying the issue should not be viewed as one of guilt or punishment.
“I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision,” he said.
The former Rivers governor disclosed that he had long anticipated Fubara’s return, recalling that he made the prediction during his previous media interaction.
According to him, the governor’s decision confirmed his belief that there was no better political platform for them to work together in advancing the state’s interests.
“I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him. Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward,” Wike stated.
He added that Fubara’s public declaration of support would strengthen efforts to mobilise electoral backing for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election,” the minister said.
Fubara had, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rivien Medical Industry project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State last week, announced that he had reunited with Wike’s political family.
The governor also endorsed Tinubu’s second-term bid and urged his supporters to align with the Rainbow Coalition, saying the era of political hostility in Rivers State had ended and it was time to focus on development.
Speaking on projects in the FCT, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the ISEX Road Corridor and the Apo-Karshi Road, saying both projects were progressing according to schedule.
He revealed that the contractor handling the ISEX Road had assured the administration that the project would be ready for commissioning in December, provided funding obligations were met.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s policy of completing inherited projects instead of abandoning them, stressing that continuity in governance remained essential to sustainable development.
“Some people assume office and say they will only focus on projects they initiated. That is not leadership. Good leadership is continuing projects that are vital to the development of the city, projects that transform the landscape and improve the economy. We are pleased with the progress the contractors are making. It is now our responsibility to fulfil our own obligations so they can complete these projects on schedule,” Wike added.
