An elder statesman in Rivers State and rights activist in the Niger Delta, Rev Sokari Soberekon, has said that the suspended Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara cannot possibly apologise to his estranged godfather and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Recall that Wike had said during a media chat in Abuja that he would forgive the suspended Governor if he sincerely apologises to him.
Soberekon, while reacting to this comment in an interview in Port Harcourt, said Fubara cannot possibly apologise to the Minister since he never offended him in any particular way.
He noted that what is happening between the two Rivers politicians are mere irreconcilable political differences, which he noted could easily be settled and sorted out amicably in the spirit of give and take, stressing that the earlier such differences are amicably sorted out, the better for the State.
According to him, for the sheer fact that Wike had admitted that several eminent personalities had approached him and pleaded with him to settle his political scores and rift with the suspended Governor was enough reason for him (Wike) to bend backwards and allow the State to enjoy a measure of peace and forge ahead on all fronts, devoid of the lingering political crisis rocking the State.
Soberekon further indicated that the Minister is rather the one who owes the Ijaw people an apology for allegedly insulting the Ijaw ethnic nationality and Ijaw elders.
The elder statesman reiterated that Governor Fubara has not offended Wike in any way, to warrant him apologising to the Minister, stressing that the suspended Governor has rather carried himself with dignity in spite of his political ordeal, a testament that he is truly a man of peace.
Soberekon also advised Wike not to involve former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada-George in the dirty politics of the State, saying, this is so because the former Governor was the one who handed over the State to God.
According to him, Wike is supposed to respect and honour such a political leader, instead of insulting and denigrating him.
Soberekon, however, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing him as the best President Nigeria has ever had.
The octogenarian advised the Sole Administrator of the State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas(rtd) to constitute a seven-man supreme council to assist him in administering the State, instead of appointing Commissioners.
According to him, the council should comprise personalities like the founder and General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie; the King and Perekule of Grand Bonny; Amanyanabo of Bakana; among others.
He said the council should be saddled with the responsibility of joining hands with the administrator to stabilise the State and charting the political way forward in the face of the lingering political crisis rocking the State.
According to him, the job of the council with the administrator as chairman should go beyond reconciling aggrieved political actors in the State and brokering peace among them.
He said the administrator should rather be allowed to stabilise the system in such a way that all aggrieved parties and Rivers people feel happy and satisfied before bowing out of office.
