Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, announced on Thursday night that his long‑running dispute with Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been settled after a reconciliation meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Emerging from the closed‑door session, Wike told reporters that both factions had sealed a “final agreement” to end hostilities and work together.
“We have all agreed to work with the governor, and he has agreed to work with every one of us. We belong to the same political family,” Wike said, describing the accord as conclusive.
“Like every relationship, disagreements arise, and there is a time to resolve them. Today, that resolution is complete. As far as I’m concerned, the matter is over.”
He urged their supporters to stand down, adding: “There is no room for acrimony anymore.”
Governor Fubara, also speaking to journalists, called the truce a moment of “divine intervention” and a turning point for Rivers State.
“What Rivers needs for progress is peace, and with the help of Mr President and our leaders, peace has returned tonight,” he said.
“We will do everything within our power to sustain it.”
Background to the rift
- May 2023: Fubara, Wike’s political protégé, assumes office as governor.
- October 2023: Wike‑aligned lawmakers move to impeach Fubara; a fire and subsequent demolition of the Assembly complex force sittings to a temporary venue.
- December 2023: President Tinubu brokers a fragile truce that sees Fubara concede key appointments to Wike loyalists.
- March 18, 2025: After the deal collapses, Tinubu declares a state of emergency, suspends Fubara’s executive powers for six months, and appoints former naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator.
Thursday’s accord is intended to end that cycle of conflict and restore normal governance in Rivers State.
Fubara pledged “full commitment” to the new peace, while Wike called on all political actors to support the agreement.
