Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, confirmed on Thursday that the prolonged disagreement between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara had come to an end, thanks to a peace meeting arranged by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the private session at the Presidential Villa, Wike explained that both sides had reached a final resolution and were ready to move forward in unity.
“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 noted that while the conflict had gone on for several months, Thursday’s meeting brought a permanent solution.
“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 said.
Wike urged their supporters to also put an end to division, saying, “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.”
Governor Fubara, who was earlier suspended from office, also confirmed the new agreement and referred to it as a special moment 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,” he said.
He noted that Rivers State needs peace to progress and praised the President’s role in achieving that peace.
“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.”
The governor also assured that he is committed to protecting the fragile peace that has now been restored.
“We’ll do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around,” Fubara added.
The disagreement between the two leaders began not long after Fubara was sworn into office in May 2023. Tensions rose sharply in October of that year when lawmakers aligned with Wike started impeachment plans against Fubara.
Fubara reacted strongly by tearing down the state assembly building following a fire incident many viewed as suspicious. He then moved all legislative activities to a temporary site.
This disagreement caused a deep political crisis in Rivers State, leading to a brief peace deal in December 2023 after President Tinubu stepped in. That deal required Fubara to give key positions to allies of Wike.
However, the peace didn’t last long. The situation got worse again and led to President Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in March 2025. The President temporarily removed Fubara from power and placed the state under the control of a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
