Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has appealed to members of his political family, the “Simplified Family,” to accept the terms of the peace agreement reached with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing it as “heavy, bitter,” but necessary for the future of Rivers State.
The governor made this plea during a meeting with his supporters in Port Harcourt, just 24 hours after the Abuja peace deal brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His call came amidst growing criticism from those who feel the terms of the deal amount to surrendering to pressure and intimidation.
‘No Price Too Big for Peace’
Governor Fubara stressed that genuine peace requires sacrifice and maturity, noting that the political crisis had already taken a toll on the state’s development. “There is no price too big to pay for peace,” he said.
Although he declined to publicly confirm the full terms of the agreement, various media reports suggest the conditions include:
Governor Fubara serving only one term in office;
Payment of withheld salaries and allowances to the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly;
Withdrawal of all legal cases between both factions;
And the lawmakers discontinuing their impeachment moves against him.
Acknowledging Wike’s Role and the President’s Intervention
Fubara, while giving background on how the peace deal came about, revealed that President Tinubu personally urged both men to reconcile.
“After the meeting we had before May 29, we’ve had a series of engagements. One of the most defining was with Mr. President, who made it clear: ‘I want you and your oga to settle’,” he said.
The governor openly acknowledged Wike’s political mentorship and role in his emergence, stating, “Nobody can take away the role my oga played. That’s the truth. Yes, we’ve had our differences, but no one can deny the sacrifices he made.”
He added that reconciliation can only be meaningful when it comes from a place of mutual understanding. “True peace is when both parties sit down and agree. I’ve met him, and we’ve spoken. He’s also human and has his own pains. I have mine too. If meeting his terms brings peace, then I will give it to him—so long as it’s not my life.”
‘I Will Not Abandon My Supporters’
Fubara assured his supporters that the peace agreement does not mean abandonment. “I can’t abandon you people. This is the time for me to prove to you that I care. Whichever way this goes, no one will be left behind,” he declared.
He explained that total reconciliation was crucial for the state to make meaningful progress and for the President to successfully intervene in Rivers politics.
He urged members of the Simplified Family to prepare for the sacrifices ahead, reiterating that peace was the only viable solution. “We have fought. Anyone who is sincere knows we’ve done our part. But now, the only answer left is peace.”
Using a proverb, the governor added, “In my place, there’s a fish called Atabala — you call it tilapia. The native tilapia doesn’t grow big. The mother tells her young, ‘if you want to grow to my size, hide your head in the mud.’ Sometimes, wisdom lies in knowing when to bow for peace.”
Public Show of Unity
In what many viewed as a symbolic display of reconciliation, Governor Fubara, Wike, and the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, appeared in public together on Saturday.
They attended the funeral service of Wike’s late cousin, Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, in Rumueprikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The event was also attended by prominent Rivers politicians, including Senators Allwell Onyesoh, George Thompson Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche; and former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, among others.
Governor Fubara later posted on his official X account:
“Today, I joined the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and other dignitaries at the funeral service of his beloved cousin, the late Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, in Rumueprikom.”
Wike: ‘Everything is Over’
Speaking on Friday in Abuja, Wike confirmed that the peace talks had concluded successfully. “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,” the FCT Minister said.
He explained that disagreements are a natural part of politics, but reconciliation was the responsible path forward. “Yes, as humans, you have a disagreement. But you also have a time to settle. That time has come. Everything is over.”
Wike urged all political actors in Rivers to embrace the new spirit of unity and set aside acrimony. “There’s no more bitterness. There’s nothing left to fight over,” he added.
A New Chapter for Rivers State
Governor Fubara echoed these sentiments, describing the resolution as a divine intervention. He pledged to do all within his power to sustain the peace, stating: “What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace. By God’s grace, with the support of Mr. President and our leaders, peace has returned to our state.”
