A chieftain of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, PANDEF, Anabs Sara-Igbe, has told the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, that he could call the suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara anything, adding that what the people of the state want is peace.

This is coming amid the recent remarks by Wike, referring to Fubara, as his boy. Wike’s remarks triggered reactions across the state, with many elders emphasizing that the priority for Rivers people is peace, regardless of political rhetoric.

UGAMATV reports that Wike, during a weekend interview, stated that he was not in conflict with Fubara but was instead targeting those who, according to him, were attempting to benefit undeservedly.

“That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son. Why will I fight with him?” Wike remarked.

Reacting, Sara-Igbe stated they had a relationship that lasted over the years.

“He (Wike) may choose to address the Governor any way he likes. What Rivers people want is absolute peace. We are not interested in how he addresses the Governor. They are friends and have been working together for long,” the PANDEF chieftain said.

He further urged the people of Rivers State to unite in ensuring peace and facilitating Governor Fubara’s reinstatement.

Sara-Igbe said he was hopeful that Fubara would return to office before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

Speaking on the political tensions, the elder statesman explained that Wike’s criticism of Dr Abiye Sekibo, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, and Celestine Omehia, whom Wike accused of misleading Fubara, was not surprising since they are all from the same political family.

Wike had stated, “I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. When you don’t defeat them, they will think they are in charge.”

He added that those individuals were pushing Fubara in the wrong direction.