Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed he has been in contact with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The reinstated governor is reportedly ready to return to Rivers State following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Wike said he had forgiven Fubara.
He said: “I have already said that we’ve been speaking. I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. I am not a politician who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward.
“Unfortunately, there are people who do not want peace. Today, I watched individuals twisting the law, claiming illegality in the conduct of local government elections.
“But ask them: what did they do to prevent such illegality in the first place? When you hear them pontificating and shouting, you would think they have solutions—yet they do nothing except attempt to create crisis. The president has done a great deal for us, and peace has been restored.”
On questions about Fubara’s exact location, Wike noted he is neither the governor’s chief of staff nor chief protocol officer.
AFRIPOST reports that Fubara did not return to the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, a day after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule that had suspended him, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the State House of Assembly in March.
Thousands of supporters had gathered at the Government House gates from early morning, expecting the governor’s return, but many dispersed by midday as his whereabouts remained unknown.
Among those present were sacked local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, including Chijoke Ihunwo of Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati of Port Harcourt City, while allies of Wike and newly elected council chairmen were notably absent.
During the emergency period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as sole administrator of the state.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened at the legislative quarters conference hall with Speaker Martins Amaewhule presiding, opening a probe into state finances under Ibas and requesting Governor Fubara to forward a list of commissioner nominees for screening.