Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday night announced that the political feud between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been resolved, following a peace meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Wike revealed that all factions involved in the long-standing dispute had reached a final agreement to end hostilities and collaborate 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 stated.
He acknowledged the protracted nature of the conflict but described the outcome of the meeting as definitive and binding.
“Disagreements are a normal part of human relationships. What matters is finding resolution. Today, we have finally done that. We came to brief Mr. President on our agreement. For me, the matter is now closed,” he added.
Wike urged political followers to embrace the peace accord and put aside all animosity, saying, “There is no more acrimony. It’s time for everyone to come together and work in unity.”
Governor Fubara also confirmed the reconciliation, describing it as a divine intervention and a turning point for Rivers State.
“For me, this is a day to thank Almighty God. This development is significant and timely,” Fubara said.
He stressed the importance of peace for the state’s growth and stability. “What Rivers State needs is peace, and by the special grace of God, that peace has been restored tonight through Mr. President’s help and the consensus of our leaders,” he declared.
Fubara further assured that he would uphold the fragile peace, promising, “We will do everything within our power to sustain this new understanding.”
The political fallout between Wike and Fubara began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. Tensions escalated in October when pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In response, Fubara demolished the Assembly complex after a suspicious fire incident and relocated legislative activities to a temporary facility, deepening the crisis.
The ensuing power struggle crippled governance in the state for months. In December 2023, President Tinubu brokered an initial peace deal that saw Fubara conceding some key appointments to Wike’s allies. However, that truce later collapsed.
The situation deteriorated further until March 18, 2025, when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing rising insecurity and administrative breakdown. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara’s executive powers for an initial six-month period and the appointment of a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
Thursday’s agreement marks the most decisive effort yet to restore political stability to the oil-rich state.
