IN SHORT: An apology, allegedly from the suspended governor of Nigeria's Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, to his predecessor is circulating on social media. But there is no evidence to support Fubara making such an apology.
Several Facebook posts claim that Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers state in southern Nigeria, has apologised to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
According to one post, dated 13 May 2025, Fubara said: “I apologise to my Oga, Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike. I was misled by hungry so-called elders, aides and supporters. They kept pushing me until I nearly lost my soul. I am wiser now and ready to work with my lifetime oga to make Rivers work. My oga helped me get to the government house, I was a nobody until he assisted me and I disappointed him. I am sorry!”
On 18 March, president Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state to address a political crisis there. He also suspended Fubara and state lawmakers for six months, during which an administrator would be in charge of state affairs.
A state of emergency is a temporary measure declared by a government in response to a crisis, granting authorities special powers to restore order and protect citizens. This may be put in place due to security threats, natural disasters, health emergencies or political instability.
The crisis stems from a feud between Fubara and Wike, who is now minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
In April, Fubara reportedly met Tinubu in London in the UK and promised to make concessions to end the ongoing crisis.
But did Fubara apologise to Wike? We investigated.
No evidence to support the claim
The political crisis in Rivers state, including any statements by Wike and Fubara, has received wide media coverage. But we found no reports about Fubara apologising to Wike.
On 12 May, Fubara spoke at an event honouring the late Nigerian politician Edwin Clark. Fubara made it clear that he was not desperate to return to office.
He said: “My spirit left the government house long ago. If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return. But many people, including the late Chief Clark, have made sacrifices for me. That’s why I must stand by them.”
His speech did not feature any apology to Wike.
The posts also failed to state where and when he made the apology. This lack of detail is a good indication that the quote may have been fabricated.
The claim that Fubara has apologised to Wike is false.
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