[27/06, 9:52 am] rosewendy: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday night confirmed the resolution of the protracted political dispute between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following a high-level peace meeting convened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.
Addressing journalists after the closed-door session at the Presidential Villa, Wike announced that both political camps had reached a definitive agreement to end hostilities and restore unity within the state’s leadership.
“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has equally agreed to work with us. We remain members of the same political family,” Wike declared.
Acknowledging the months-long impasse, Wike described Thursday’s truce as final and conclusive.
“Just like any human relationship, there will be disagreements, and there will also be times for reconciliation. That reconciliation has been achieved today. We have formally reported the resolution to Mr. President. For me, everything is over,” he added.
The minister further appealed to political stakeholders and supporters across Rivers State to embrace peace, urging them to abandon divisive rhetoric and acrimony.
“I enjoin everyone who believes in the progress of our state to join hands and work together in unity. There’s no more division, no more conflict,” Wike concluded.
Fubara Hails ‘Divine Intervention’ in Rivers Political Crisis
Governor Siminalayi Fubara also confirmed the peace accord, describing it as a pivotal moment for the state’s stability and governance.
“For me, it’s a day to thank Almighty God. This agreement marks a significant turning point for Rivers State,” Fubara stated.
The governor stressed the importance of enduring peace for the state’s development, pledging his administration’s full commitment to preserving the unity achieved through the presidential intervention.
“What Rivers State needs for progress is peace, and by God’s grace, with the help of Mr. President and our leaders, peace has returned to our dear state,” Fubara assured.
He further vowed to consolidate the fragile unity restored during the meeting, adding: “We’ll do everything within our power to sustain this peace and unity.”
A Timeline of the Rivers State Political Crisis
The political rift between Wike and his successor, Fubara, began soon after the latter assumed office in May 2023. By October, tensions escalated as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara.
In a dramatic response, Governor Fubara ordered the demolition of the Assembly complex following a suspicious fire incident, relocating legislative activities to a temporary venue.
Months of bitter power tussle threw the state into administrative turmoil, prompting President Tinubu’s intervention in December 2023. A fragile peace deal brokered at the time saw Governor Fubara conceding key appointments to Wike’s allies — a compromise that eventually collapsed.
By March 18, 2025, the situation worsened, compelling President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, temporarily suspending the governor’s executive powers for six months and appointing former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), as a sole administrator.
A New Chapter for Rivers State
Thursday night’s peace agreement marks a fresh chapter for Rivers State’s political landscape, with both Wike and Fubara pledging to work in unity for the state’s progress and stability.
As Rivers indigenes and observers await the practical implementation of this truce, stakeholders hope the presidential intervention will finally end the prolonged crisis and restore normalcy in the oil-rich state.
