Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and Social Media, has said that Nyesom Wike is open to peace talks aimed at resolving the crisis in Rivers State, as reported by PUNCH.
According to him, Wike is not against discussions that can restore stability but believes that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should have implemented the Supreme Court’s judgment immediately after it was delivered.
The crisis in Rivers State began after Fubara and Wike, his political mentor, fell out.
Wike played a key role in Fubara’s emergence as governor two years ago, but tensions between them grew over time.
Some political analysts blame Wike for the state’s political instability, while others argue that Fubara’s actions contributed to the situation.
Olayinka stated that mediation efforts should be led by the National Assembly, as it is their responsibility to intervene in state matters when necessary.
He also acknowledged that the Presidency has the right to get involved if it chooses to.
While some have criticized Wike’s role in the crisis, Olayinka dismissed claims that the minister was obstructing reconciliation efforts.
He also referenced past incidents where the President attempted to mediate but faced resistance from those who argued that he had no authority to intervene.
Despite this, Wike remains open to dialogue and discussions that could help bring peace to Rivers State.
“The minister is not averse to sitting down with people and discussing and talking, he’s not. It is the duty of the National Assembly to also seek peace, to mediate in issues. If the Presidency also wants to do that, if they want to mediate, like the President did once; they called him a meddlesome interloper, they said he had no right to intervene, so if he still believes that he can still intervene, no problem, so be it,” he said.