The Elders Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party has extended an apology to Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over the ongoing conflict between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom they refer to as their “son.”
Led by Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission, the elders conveyed their apology during the Rivers State Ijaw Peoples Congress held in Port Harcourt on September 28, which honored Wike.
Iyaye expressed regret for the “embarrassment and public display of disregard” that Wike has faced from Fubara, emphasizing that it is not their culture to repay good with evil.
“On behalf of our people, we are apologising to you for what our son is doing to you. We are sorry. We are sorry o because it is not in our nature to pay evil for good. You have done well for us, and we will continue to say thank you.”
He urged Wike not to distance himself from the Ijaw community due to Fubara’s actions, reminding him of the support he provided that enabled them to achieve governance in Rivers State.
He said: “Your Excellency, do not, because of this bad behaviour of our son, run away from us. Continue to be our brother. Continue to have us in mind. We have never set our feet on the number one seat of Rivers State. You made it possible for us to become the governor of Rivers State.”
Ferdinard Anabraba, Chairman of the Elders Forum in PDP Rivers State, criticized Fubara’s administration, asserting that the Ijaw people will not forget Wike’s contributions. He described the current state of governance as a reflection of individual failings, not a sentiment shared by the Ijaw community.
“The aberration we are seeing in the administration of Rivers State is only a demonstration of lack of political discharge of an individual, and by no means the opinion of Ijaw people.
“We, the Ijaw, see you as the light of Rivers State. You are indeed a notable strategist in Nigeria’s contemporary politics. And without doubt, you are the most celebrated Ijaw politician of national recognition,” he said.
