Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that he and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have reconciled and agreed to put an end to their long-standing political feud in the interest of the state.
Fubara made the announcement on Friday during a statewide broadcast, following his return to Port Harcourt after a six-month suspension from office. The suspension had been imposed by President Bola Tinubu amidst intense political turmoil in the state, which also led to the suspension of the Deputy Governor and members of the State House of Assembly.
Speaking to the people of Rivers, Fubara declared the crisis officially over, citing the peace initiative led by President Tinubu.
“In the course of the six-month period, Mr. President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully,” the governor said.
“Our Leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and I, as your Governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara stressed that despite the challenges, his administration chose the path of peace over confrontation, refusing to contest the constitutionality of the emergency declaration or the suspension of democratic institutions in court.
“It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear state under the emergency rule. As your Governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” he said.
Warm reception by supporters
Governor Fubara returned to Port Harcourt on Friday to a hero’s welcome from thousands of supporters, many of whom had gathered since Thursday under the “Simplified Family” movement.
Though the Governor did not show up on Thursday, he arrived on Friday and was welcomed at the airport by large crowds chanting solidarity songs and waving banners.
Addressing the supporters at the Government House, Fubara expressed gratitude for their show of love and support during the difficult period.
“I’m really humbled by what I saw at the airport today. I was also briefed with photography of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It showed love, confidence, and solidarity,” the Governor said.
He reassured the people that his administration would remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy.
“I want to assure you that we will, by the grace of God, continue to do those things that made you love us,” he said.
Fubara also reiterated his commitment to stability and good governance, thanking the people for standing by him during what he described as one of the most challenging periods in the state’s history.
Conclusion
With the political crisis now declared over and peace restored, attention is expected to shift towards governance and development in Rivers State.
Both Fubara and Wike have promised to work in unity going forward, in what many see as a significant turning point for the state’s political landscape.
