The protracted political crisis in Rivers State appears to have finally reached a resolution, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, confirmed on Thursday night that he and Governor Siminalayi Fubara have settled their differences. This breakthrough follows a crucial closed-door peace meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Wike declared, “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.” He stressed the conclusiveness of the agreement, stating, “everything is over,” and urged political followers to embrace calm, affirming that “there’s no more acrimony.”
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, also confirming the truce, described the development as a “moment of divine intervention and a crucial turning point for Rivers’ State.” He emphasized the paramount importance of peace for the state’s development, noting that “with the help of Mr. President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, our leader, peace has returned in Rivers State.” Fubara pledged full commitment to sustaining this fragile unity.
The political fallout between Wike and his successor, Governor Fubara, began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. Tensions escalated in October 2023 when Wike-loyalist members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, leading to the controversial demolition of the Assembly complex. This power tussle subsequently plunged the state into a governance crisis.
President Tinubu had previously intervened in December 2023, facilitating a peace deal that saw Fubara make concessions to Wike’s loyalists. However, that arrangement proved fragile, and the conflict resurfaced, culminating in President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025. This declaration suspended the governor’s executive powers for an initial six months, citing escalating insecurity and administrative paralysis, and led to the installation of a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
The successful resolution of this latest impasse, as confirmed by both key figures, signifies a major step towards restoring full democratic governance and stability in Rivers State, with potential implications for the lifting of the emergency rule.
