Anabs Sara-Igbe, a senior member of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), has told Nigeria’s FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that what truly matters to the people of Rivers State is peace—not what he says about Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This came after Wike referred to the suspended governor as “his boy,” which sparked strong reactions in Rivers. Many elders quickly reminded the public that Rivers people care more about peace than political name-calling.

In a recent interview, Wike said that he was not at war with Fubara. Instead, he claimed that he was targeting people who he believed were trying to gain power unfairly.

“This is not a battle. Fubara is my boy, my son. Why would I fight him?” Wike said.

Reacting to this, Sara-Igbe said Wike and Fubara have known each other for a long time. He explained that it doesn’t matter what Wike calls the governor because the people only want peace. He reminded everyone that both men have worked together in the past.

Sara-Igbe then called on the people of Rivers State to join hands and work for peace. He also asked for support to help bring Governor Fubara back to office.

He expressed hope that Fubara would return before the six-month emergency rule, which started on March 18, 2025, as declared by President Bola Tinubu, comes to an end.

On the political tension in the state, Sara-Igbe said it was not surprising that Wike criticized Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Austin Opara, and Celestine Omehia. He said all of them belong to the same political circle.

Wike had stated earlier that he was only fighting those who wanted to take what they had not worked for. He warned that if they are not challenged, they might wrongly believe they are the ones in charge.

Wike also claimed that these same people were leading Fubara in the wrong direction.