President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has successfully brokered a reconciliation between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the State House of Assembly, bringing a fresh wave of hope for peace in the troubled state.
The meeting, held Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, came after an earlier round of talks among Fubara, Wike, and the lawmakers. It marked a renewed effort by the President to end the prolonged political rift in Rivers State.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), praising Tinubu’s continued commitment to restoring peace. “Just like he brought the political gladiators together to sign a peace deal in December 2023, he repeated the same on Thursday night,” Onanuga stated.
Participants in the meeting included Wike, Governor Fubara, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Chike Amaewhule. Sources at the Villa disclosed that all parties appeared reconciled following the discussions with the President.
“From the body language after the meeting with the President, I can tell you they have resolved their differences,” a source familiar with the talks told repoters.
The conflict between Wike and Fubara stemmed from a power struggle over control of the state’s political structure, causing months of tension and legislative instability.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing threats to public safety. He suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Administrator of the state.
The latest meeting signals a possible shift in the federal government’s handling of the crisis, with peace and reinstatement now appearing likely.
Observers hope this renewed truce will mark a lasting end to the political unrest that has plagued Rivers State since late 2023.
