- FCT Minister: Our feud is over; we’ve agreed to work together
- Suspended Governor: We’ll do everything to sustain this peace in Rivers
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday night hosted a crucial reconciliation meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, bringing together key figures involved in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The closed-door session according to presidential media source, included suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Federal Capital Territory Minister and former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Wike expressed optimism about the renewed spirit of cooperation, emphasising the shared political bond among the leaders.
“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has also agreed to work with all of us. We are members of the same political family,” Wike said.
He acknowledged that disagreements are natural but stressed that the time to settle differences has arrived. “That has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr. President what we have agreed. For me, everything is over. I encourage everyone who believes in working with us to join hands—there is no more acrimony, nothing left to say.”
Fubara also spoke with gratitude and hope. “For me, it is a day to thank Almighty God. It is very important that this day has come,” he remarked.
Highlighting the critical need for peace in Rivers State’s development, Fubara stated, “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 state’s leaders, peace has returned to Rivers State. We will do everything within our power to sustain it this time around. Thank you.”
The political turmoil in Rivers State has been escalating since late 2023, stemming from a fierce power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. Once political allies, their relationship soured as Fubara sought to assert his independence, challenging Wike’s longstanding influence over the state’s political machinery. The crisis intensified after a bomb attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023, just before impeachment proceedings against Fubara were set to begin.
The Assembly’s attempt to impeach Fubara was violently disrupted by security forces reportedly loyal to the governor, deepening the political deadlock. Subsequent defections of lawmakers between parties, legal disputes over legislative seats, and repeated confrontations further destabilized the state government.
As tensions and security concerns mounted, President Tinubu took the unprecedented step of declaring a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly. The federal government cited escalating political violence, deteriorating governance, and rising militant activities, including pipeline vandalism, as reasons necessitating direct federal intervention.
Thursday’s peace talks mark President Tinubu’s most significant effort to mediate between the rival factions and restore political stability in the oil-rich state. By facilitating dialogue among key stakeholders, the president aims to end months of political instability and constitutional paralysis that have threatened governance and security in Rivers State.