The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday confirmed that the political crisis between him and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has been resolved following a peace meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, Wike stated that all parties had reached a final agreement to end the political conflict and work together.
“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 said.
He acknowledged that the crisis had persisted for months but described Thursday’s meeting as a conclusive step toward unity.
“Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have a time to settle your disagreement. And that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr. President, that is what we have agreed. So for me, everything is over,” he said.
Wike called on political supporters to remain calm and embrace peace, saying, “I enjoin everybody who believes to work with us, to also work together with everybody, that there’s no more acrimony.”
Governor Fubara also confirmed the peace agreement, describing the meeting as a moment of divine intervention and a crucial turning point for Rivers State.
“For me, it’s a day we have to thank Almighty God. For me, it’s very important that this day has come to be,” Fubara said.
He emphasized that peace was essential for the progress of Rivers State and commended the role played by President Tinubu and other leaders in facilitating the reconciliation.
“What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God, this night, with the help of Mr. President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, our leader, peace has returned in Rivers State,” he said.
Fubara pledged to uphold the unity achieved and work towards sustaining it. “We’ll do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around,” he added.
The fallout between Wike and Fubara began after the latter assumed office in May 2023. Tensions escalated in October when lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara. In response, Fubara demolished the Assembly complex after a mysterious fire incident and relocated legislative activities to temporary facilities.
The power struggle led to a political crisis, prompting President Tinubu’s intervention in December 2023. A peace deal was reached at the time, with Fubara ceding some political appointments to Wike’s allies. However, the arrangement collapsed, and the conflict resumed.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara’s executive powers for six months due to worsening insecurity and governance paralysis. A sole administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), was appointed to oversee the state.
The latest meeting appears to have restored political harmony among Rivers stakeholders.
