The prolonged political standoff between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come to an end after a peace meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Following the closed-door discussion, Wike announced that both camps had agreed to put aside their differences and collaborate moving forward.
“We’ve all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has agreed to work with all of us. We belong to the same political family,” Wike said.
Reflecting on the crisis, he added, “Just like any relationship, disagreements happen, and eventually, they get resolved. That resolution happened today.”
He urged political supporters across Rivers State to respect the peace deal and move beyond past divisions.
Governor Fubara welcomed the reconciliation, describing it as a much-needed step toward stability and development in the state.
“This is a significant day. What we need for progress in Rivers State is peace, and with Mr. President’s help, peace has returned,” Fubara remarked.
He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and working with all stakeholders in the interest of the state.
Background: Months of Political Turmoil
The fallout between Wike and Fubara, once close allies, began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023.
Tensions escalated dramatically in October when lawmakers aligned with Wike launched impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In retaliation, Fubara ordered the demolition of the state Assembly building following a mysterious fire, and legislative activities were moved elsewhere.
A temporary truce was achieved in December 2023 after President Tinubu’s intervention, with Fubara conceding several key appointments. However, the agreement unraveled in the months that followed.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to rising insecurity and governmental paralysis.
He suspended Governor Fubara’s executive powers for six months and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator.
This latest reconciliation meeting signals a potential turning point, with both Wike and Fubara publicly committing to a renewed path of cooperation.
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