The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday declared that the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State has come to an end, following a reconciliation with the state’s embattled governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking during a media chat monitored in Abuja, Wike emphasized that the peace accord was reached in the best interest of Rivers State and insisted that he owed no one an explanation over the terms of the agreement.
“Some people benefited greatly from the crisis. Now that peace has returned, they are unhappy,” Wike said. “I don’t run from fights, but I also don’t owe anyone explanations. What matters is that Rivers State is moving forward.”
The former governor accused unnamed political actors of exploiting the situation for personal gain, likening their opportunism to treating the conflict like a private “oil well.”
Wike stressed that his reconciliation with Governor Fubara was necessary to ensure peace, stability, and continued development in the state.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has welcomed the resolution of the crisis and called on President Bola Tinubu to complete the peace process by lifting what they described as a “de facto state of emergency” in the state.
In a statement signed by the Forum’s acting chairman and former Deputy Governor, Dr. Gabriel Toby, the elders applauded both Wike and Fubara for showing maturity and putting the interest of the state above personal rivalry.
“We commend the courage and wisdom shown by both leaders in embracing peace,” the statement read. “This is what we had long called for. Though our earlier efforts were not acknowledged, we thank President Tinubu for stepping in as a father figure to broker peace.”
The Forum noted that the prolonged political tension, which involved a deep rift between Wike and Fubara, as well as divisions within the State House of Assembly, had inflicted serious damage on the state’s unity and image.
They urged President Tinubu to restore all democratic structures that were affected during the crisis and ensure that governance returns fully to the people of Rivers.
“Let democratic governance return. Let the will of the people be respected,” the statement said.
While the specific details of the reconciliation remain undisclosed, the Forum expressed hope that the terms of the peace accord align with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the principles of the rule of law.
“Our concern is the collective good of Rivers State, not personal or political gain,” the statement added. “We hope this marks the beginning of a new era, the one defined by mutual respect, cooperation and a shared commitment to development.”
Concluding their message, the elders called for unity and purpose among all stakeholders: “Let Rivers rise again with pride and purpose. Our strength lies in our unity and shared destiny.”
Advertisement
