Olayinka stated that forgiveness can only come when someone acknowledges wrongdoing and seeks to make peace.
The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has stated that his successor has not sought his forgiveness, and therefore, there is no basis for reconciliation.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, speaking through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, was responding to a recent appeal by ex-Niger Delta militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who urged him to forgive Fubara for the sake of peace and unity in Rivers State.
Tompolo, in a statement addressing the political turmoil in the state, urged Wike to temper his anger. "Just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems. Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all. We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again Fubara will return to his seat," he said.
In response, Olayinka stated that forgiveness can only come when someone acknowledges wrongdoing and seeks to make peace. "There is no offence. It is when somebody has offended you personally that you start talking about seeking forgiveness. Assuming Fubara has offended the minister, has he come to seek forgiveness?" he asked.
He clarified that Wike had not claimed Fubara wronged him personally, but rather called on the governor to respect the rule of law and remain loyal to those who supported him. "The minister only said Fubara should govern in accordance with the rule of law and not abandon those who worked to make him governor. That is not too much to ask," Olayinka noted. "If there's anyone Fubara should say he offended, it should be the President."
Olayinka also questioned the governor's sudden shift in attitude towards Wike. "He should reflect on how Wike stood by him. Wike wasn't a bad person when he was taking bullets for him. So at what point did Wike suddenly become the enemy? Fubara should ask himself that."
Using a metaphor to stress his point, Olayinka said, "You are begging a doctor to provide medicine for someone that is sick, but you are not begging the person that is sick to take the medicine. What happens?"
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