Federal Capital Territory Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday evening confirmed that his long-running political feud with Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially come to an end. The reconciliation follows a high-level peace meeting mediated by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Addressing reporters after the closed-door session, Wike revealed that both factions have reached a consensus to put their differences aside and move forward in unity.
“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 stated.
He acknowledged the months of political tension but emphasised that the dispute has now been resolved. “Just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have a time to settle your disagreement,” he said. “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.”
Wike also urged their supporters to embrace peace and cooperation, saying, “I enjoin everybody who believes to work with us, to also work together with everybody, that there’s no more acrimony. There’s nothing to say.”
Governor Fubara echoed the sentiments, describing the agreement as a divine breakthrough and a pivotal moment 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,” he said.
He stressed that peace is essential for the state’s development. “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.”
Fubara vows to uphold accord
Fubara pledged to uphold the new accord, saying, “We’ll do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around.”
The Background
The political crisis between Wike and Fubara, once allies, began shortly after Fubara’s inauguration in May 2023. By October, tensions escalated when lawmakers aligned with Wike moved to impeach the governor. The situation worsened after a mysterious fire incident led Fubara to demolish the Assembly building and relocate legislative activities.
Although President Tinubu brokered a temporary peace in December 2023, allowing Wike’s allies to take up key positions in Fubara’s government, the deal eventually unravelled. The breakdown led Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March 2025, citing security breakdown and governance paralysis.
The president’s emergency action suspended Fubara’s executive powers for six months and appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), as sole administrator of the state.
Thursday’s renewed truce, backed by both leaders, now offers a fresh chance for stability in the troubled state.
