The long-standing political feud between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially ended following a peace meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday night after the closed-door meeting, Wike declared that both factions had reached a definitive agreement to put aside their differences and work as one political family.
“We’ve resolved to work together. The governor has agreed, and so have we. We’re all part of the same political team,” Wike stated, describing the peace deal as the final resolution to a crisis that had spanned months.
Acknowledging the tension that marred their relationship, he said, “Yes, people disagree. But there comes a time when you must reconcile. That time is now.”
He urged followers to support the newfound unity, emphasizing, “There’s no longer any acrimony. We’re moving forward.”
Governor Fubara, who confirmed the truce, called the moment “divine,” describing it as a critical turning point for the stability and progress of Rivers State.
“What we need most in Rivers is peace. Tonight, with the support of Mr. President and our leaders, peace has returned,” Fubara declared. “We’ll do everything to ensure this unity lasts.”
The once cordial relationship between Wike and Fubara turned hostile soon after the latter assumed office in May 2023. Tensions reached a peak in October when Wike loyalists in the Rivers State Assembly launched impeachment proceedings against Fubara.
In response, Fubara ordered the demolition of the Assembly complex after a mysterious fire incident and relocated the legislature to a temporary site—plunging the state into political chaos.
Although President Tinubu brokered a fragile peace deal in December 2023 that allowed Wike’s loyalists key appointments, the truce unraveled. The conflict intensified, leading to Tinubu declaring a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.
Citing security breakdown and administrative gridlock, Tinubu suspended Fubara’s executive powers for six months and appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), as sole administrator.
Thursday’s peace accord marks a dramatic political reset for Rivers State. Both leaders have now committed to a shared governance path, pledging to put the interest of the state above personal ambitions.
