Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed optimism that peace has returned to the state following a reconciliation meeting involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Speaking late Thursday after a closed-door session with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Fubara described the development as a turning point.
“For me, it is very important that this day has come. What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace. By the special grace of God, with the help of Mr President and the agreement of our state’s leaders, peace has returned to Rivers State,” Fubara stated.
Fubara, currently in the third month of his suspension, pledged to uphold the terms of the peace agreement.
“We will do everything within our power to ensure that we sustain it this time around,” he added.
Political crisis and fallout
The reconciliation comes months after a bitter political standoff between Fubara and Wike, his former mentor and predecessor, erupted over control of the state’s political structure. The conflict escalated in March 2025, when lawmakers loyal to Wike, led by Martin Amaewhule, moved to impeach the governor.
Amid the chaos, President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire state House of Assembly. The President subsequently appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as sole administrator of Rivers State, a move that drew sharp criticism nationwide.
Tinubu defended his decision under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, citing the need to prevent further deterioration of the state’s political climate.
‘We have agreed to work together’ – Wike
Following Thursday’s meeting, Wike said the parties had resolved their differences and agreed to work harmoniously.
“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has also agreed to work with all of us,” the minister said.
“We are members of the same political family. Yes, just like every family, disagreements happen, but there is also a time for reconciliation. That time is now, and we have concluded the process today. We came to report this resolution to Mr President.”
Wike described the outcome as joyful and thanked God for a peaceful resolution.
“For me, everything is over — in joy. We have all agreed on everything, and we thank Almighty God.”
Signs of a Truce
The once-feuding political actors were seen sharing handshakes, laughter, and photographs after the meeting, signaling a public thaw in relations.
This marks the second meeting between Fubara and President Tinubu since the suspension. The first took place earlier in June when the governor visited the president in Lagos.
The latest meeting, seen as a major breakthrough, could pave the way for the lifting of suspensions and the restoration of governance in Rivers State.
