The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, announced on Thursday night that the political dispute between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been resolved following a peace meeting initiated by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Speaking with journalists after the closed-door session at the Presidential Villa, Wike said that both parties had come to a conclusive agreement to end the conflict and cooperate moving forward.
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 said.
He noted that although the crisis had persisted for several months, the agreement reached on Thursday signaled its resolution.
Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have a time to settle your disagreement.
And that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr. President, that is what we have agreed. So for me, everything is over, he added.
Encouraging political supporters to remain calm, he continued, And I enjoin everybody who believes to work with us, to also work together with everybody, that there’s no more acrimony. There’s nothing to say.
Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, confirmed the reconciliation, describing it as a divine intervention and a major turning point for the 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, Fubara said.
He stressed that peace is essential for the development of Rivers State, saying, 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 leaders of the state, our leader, peace has returned in Rivers State.
Fubara also affirmed his full commitment to maintaining the fragile unity that had been achieved through the presidential peace process, stating, We’ll do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around.
The dispute between Wike and Fubara began soon after Fubara took office in May 2023.
In October, tensions escalated when lawmakers loyal to Wike in the Rivers State House of Assembly started impeachment proceedings against Fubara.
Following a suspicious fire, Fubara ordered the demolition of the Assembly complex and relocated legislative activities to a temporary facility.
This power struggle led to a governance crisis in the state.
In December 2023, President Tinubu stepped in and brokered a peace deal, which saw Fubara offer key political appointments to Wike’s allies.
That arrangement eventually collapsed, prompting President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.
As part of the emergency declaration, the governor’s executive powers were suspended for six months, citing increasing insecurity and a breakdown in administration.
Tinubu then appointed a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the former Chief of Naval Staff.
