by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the resolution of his long-standing political feud with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The reconciliation follows a high-level peace meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday night.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Wike announced that both factions had reached a final agreement to end hostilities and work in unity moving forward.
“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 the prolonged nature of the conflict but described Thursday’s accord as a decisive turning point. “Just like humans, you can have disagreements, but there’s always a time for reconciliation. That has finally happened today, and we’ve come to inform Mr. President of our resolution. For me, everything is over,” he added.
Wike called for calm among supporters and urged political stakeholders to embrace the peace deal. “There’s no more acrimony. I encourage everyone to come together and move forward,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also confirmed the truce, describing it as a moment of divine intervention and a critical milestone for the future of Rivers State.
“For me, it’s a day to thank Almighty God. It marks an important shift for our state,” Fubara said. Emphasizing the importance of peace for development, he added, “What Rivers State needs most is peace. By the special grace of God, and with the support of Mr. President and our leaders, that peace has been restored.”
He pledged full commitment to upholding the unity achieved during the meeting, saying, “We’ll do everything within our power to ensure this peace is sustained.”
The political crisis between Wike and Fubara—his former ally and political protégé—began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. Tensions escalated in October when pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly launched impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In response, Fubara ordered the demolition of the Assembly complex after a mysterious fire incident, relocating legislative activities to a temporary facility. The state soon spiraled into a governance crisis.
In December 2023, President Tinubu intervened with an initial peace deal that saw Fubara concede key appointments to Wike’s allies. However, the arrangement eventually collapsed, and tensions reignited.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in security and administrative order. The declaration included a six-month suspension of Governor Fubara’s executive powers and the appointment of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), as sole administrator.
Thursday’s reconciliation marks a significant step toward restoring political stability and governance in Rivers State.