From Victor Osula, Abuja
Key players in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have reached an agreement to work together in the interest of peace and stability.
The truce follows a high-level closed-door meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Present at the meeting were Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule, and several lawmakers from the state.
The parley, which is believed to mark a turning point in the nearly two-year political standoff that has crippled governance in the oil-rich state, reportedly focused on reconciliation, mutual cooperation, and a shared commitment to restoring political stability.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Wike expressed optimism about the outcome, emphasising the renewed unity among the state’s political leadership.
“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,” he said.
While acknowledging that disagreements are a natural part of politics, Wike stressed that the time had come to put differences aside.
“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,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating the peace process and underscored the importance of unity for the development of Rivers State.
“For me, it is a day to thank Almighty God. It is very important that this day has come. 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,” Fubara said.
Post-meeting visuals shared by the Presidency painted a picture of reconciliation. President Tinubu was seen standing between Wike and Fubara, all smiles, while previously feuding lawmakers exchanged handshakes and posed for group photographs—an image in stark contrast to the hostile atmosphere that had long prevailed.
It will be recalled that in March, President Tinubu intervened in the crisis by declaring a political emergency in Rivers State, following violent protests, legislative gridlock, and a breakdown in public order stemming from the rift between the governor and the state assembly.
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the President suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly to prevent further deterioration of governance.
