Wike Declares Unity With Fubara After Tinubu’s Mediation
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, confirmed on Thursday night that the prolonged political conflict between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially ended. This resolution followed a peace meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
After the closed-door session at the Presidential Villa, Wike informed reporters that both factions had settled their disputes and committed to a joint effort.
Fubara and Wike Reconcile After Months of Political Crisis
“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 admitted that the conflict had dragged on for several months but emphasized that Thursday’s resolution marked a final agreement.
“Just like humans, you can have disagreements, and there comes a time to resolve them. That’s exactly what happened, and it has been finally concluded today,” Wike said, noting that the outcome had been formally reported to President Tinubu.
Fubara Praises Tinubu, Commits to Lasting Peace in Rivers State
Governor Siminalayi echoed Wike’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for what he called a divine moment and a turning point 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 reiterated that peace was essential for the progress of the state and credited the President and other stakeholders for helping restore calm.
“With the help of Mr. President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, our leader, peace has returned in Rivers State,” Siminalayi stated, assuring that he would ensure the agreement holds.
Fubara’s Past Political Feud With Wike
The rift between Wike and his political protégé, Siminalayi, began shortly after the latter took office in May 2023. Tensions intensified in October when pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment moves against Fubara.
In retaliation, the governor ordered the demolition of the Assembly complex after a suspicious fire incident and shifted legislative operations to a temporary site.
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This power struggle resulted in a severe political crisis that gripped the state.
Tinubu’s State of Emergency and Fubara’s Suspension
President Tinubu stepped in by December 2023, engineering a temporary truce that saw Siminalayi conceding key political positions to Wike’s allies. That fragile peace eventually collapsed.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi’s executive powers for six months due to escalating insecurity and governance breakdown.
A sole administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), was appointed to stabilize the situation.
