A prominent chieftain of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), Anabs Sara-Igbe, has addressed recent comments by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike regarding suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that Rivers people are primarily concerned with peace rather than political rhetoric.

The statement comes in response to Wike's recent characterization of Fubara as "my boy" and "my son" during a weekend interview, which has sparked various reactions across the state.

"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," Sara-Igbe remarked.

During the interview, Wike had clarified that he was not in conflict with Fubara personally but was instead targeting those who, according to him, were attempting to benefit undeservedly from the situation.

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

The FCT Minister specifically mentioned Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, and Celestine Omehia, accusing them of misleading Fubara and pushing him in the wrong direction.

Commenting on these accusations, Sara-Igbe noted that the criticism was not surprising since all the individuals mentioned come from the same political family.

The PANDEF chieftain further urged Rivers people to unite in ensuring peace and facilitating Governor Fubara's reinstatement. He expressed optimism 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.

The political crisis in Rivers State has remained a significant concern, with the state currently under emergency rule following months of tension between Wike and his successor, Fubara.