Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that the prolonged political rift between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially come to an end.
This resolution followed a high-level peace meeting held Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting, Wike said both parties had agreed to bury the hatchet and work together in unity for the interest of Rivers State and the ruling party.
“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us. We are members of the same political family,” Wike stated.
“Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have a time to settle your disagreement. That has been finally concluded today.”
He urged political supporters on both sides to remain calm, adding that there was no longer room for acrimony.
“We have come to report to Mr. President that we have reached a final agreement. Everything is over.”
Governor Fubara also confirmed the breakthrough, describing the moment as “divine intervention” and a “turning point” for the state. He stressed that peace is critical to the development of Rivers State.
“For me, it’s a day we have to thank Almighty God,” Fubara said. “What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God, with the help of Mr. President and the agreement of our leaders, peace has returned.”
Fubara pledged to preserve the fragile unity reached, vowing to “do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around.”
The political feud between Wike and Fubara — his political protégé — began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023.
Tensions escalated in October when lawmakers loyal to Wike launched impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In retaliation, Fubara ordered the demolition of the State Assembly complex after a suspicious fire incident, relocating legislative activities to a temporary venue.
Though President Tinubu initially brokered a peace deal in December 2023, granting Wike influence over key appointments, the truce collapsed. The situation worsened, leading to a governance crisis in the state.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Fubara’s executive powers for six months and appointing a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to steer the state’s affairs amid escalating insecurity and political instability.
Thursday night’s resolution is seen as a significant breakthrough in the long-standing crisis, with many hoping that the renewed commitment to peace will restore political stability and foster development in Rivers State.
Source: Punch News
