Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to humble himself, seek reconciliation and end his political confrontation with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, saying leadership requires humility and unity rather than pride and conflict.
The appeal was made in an interview on Tuesday on ARISE News as Rivers State remains engulfed in a prolonged political crisis.
Fayose said Fubara and his supporters should recognise that political strength is derived from others and stressed that the governor’s ongoing feud with Wike — his predecessor and a leading political figure — was creating instability in the state.
“Fubara, my governor, all of them, got their strength from other people,” he said, urging Fubara to mend fences and prioritise peace.
Describing the fallout between the two politicians as unfortunate and avoidable, Fayose cited examples from other states where humility in leadership helped avert prolonged political struggles.
He recounted advice he once gave his successor in Ekiti, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, emphasising cooperation with predecessors to strengthen governance rather than fuel conflict. “Don’t say ill of him, cooperate with him … If it were other people, they take advantage of the situation,” he said.
Fayose also criticised Fubara’s insistence on challenging Wike’s influence and political authority in Rivers State, particularly around the informal title of “001” within political circles, which Fayose said should not be a matter for conflict.
“There’s a difference between the office and 001 … it is a sad narrative for Governor Fubara to be struggling,” he said, advising that managing the situation through respect and dialogue would better serve the state’s interests.
The former governor reiterated his direct appeal for peace, stating: “Please Governor Fubara … go and make amends and be at peace.” He warned that political allies urging continued confrontation would not be present if the situation deteriorated further.
Fayose also reflected on lessons from his own political career, saying that leaders must learn from experience and avoid repeating mistakes that fuel division. He said that constitutional duties and respect for political mentorship should guide Fubara’s actions in resolving the crisis.
The appeal for reconciliation comes as the Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, on allegations including gross misconduct.
The political feud between Fubara and Wike has been ongoing for over two years and has contributed to governance challenges and heightened political tensions in the oil-producing state.
Observers say Fayose’s call for peace highlights wider concerns about the destabilising effects of prolonged political conflict on governance, service delivery and public confidence in political leadership in Rivers State.
