After months of political tension and uncertainty, peace appears to have finally returned to Rivers State as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, publicly declared an end to their long-running feud.
The resolution followed a crucial closed-door meeting held Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brokered by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Wike said both parties had agreed to work together in unity and move past the disagreements that had rocked the state for nearly a year.
“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us,” Wike said. “We are members of the same political family… For me, everything is over.”
He called on all political supporters to embrace peace and support the renewed spirit of cooperation.
Governor Fubara, also speaking after the meeting, described the truce as a “divine intervention” and a turning point for the state’s progress.
“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, peace has returned,” the governor said.
He promised to do all within his power to preserve the peace and build on the unity now achieved.
The crisis between the two leaders, which began shortly after Governor Fubara assumed office in May 2023, had led to legislative turmoil, including attempted impeachment proceedings and the demolition of the state assembly complex. A previous peace pact brokered by President Tinubu in December 2023 collapsed, leading to a state of emergency in March 2025 and the temporary suspension of the governor’s powers.
With this latest development, stakeholders and residents are hopeful that Rivers State can now focus on governance, stability, and development.
