Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that he has reconciled with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ending months of political turmoil that gripped the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara confirmed that he, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have agreed to end hostilities and embrace peace, following the expiration of a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
“Mr. President graciously brokered the peace process with all parties involved.
“Our leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, members of the House of Assembly, and I, as your Governor, have accepted to bury the hatchet and work together in the best interest of Rivers State,” Fubara said.
The emergency rule, declared in March 2025, was Tinubu’s response to a deepening political and legislative crisis in Rivers State, marked by a breakdown in relations between the governor and the state assembly, many of whom remained loyal to Wike.
The conflict led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and the legislative arm, effectively paralyzing governance in the oil-rich state.
Throughout the six-month period, federal authorities maintained administrative oversight while quietly working to mediate between the warring factions.
Tinubu, leveraging his political influence and Wike’s position in the federal cabinet, facilitated a behind-the-scenes peace process that culminated in last week’s announcement.
The crisis had been simmering since late 2024, when a political fallout between Fubara and Wike—once close allies—split the state’s ruling party into rival camps. This led to protests, legislative walkouts, and street clashes in Port Harcourt and other major cities.
Though details of the peace agreement remain confidential, sources close to the presidency suggest it includes power-sharing concessions and a commitment by both sides to avoid further public confrontations.
As of Friday, normal governance has resumed in the state , with Fubara back in office and the House of Assembly expected to reconvene in the coming days. The governor called for unity, urging residents and political actors to focus on development and put the crisis behind them.
“We must now come together, not as factions, but as one people determined to move Rivers State forward,” he said.
