Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have officially ended their protracted political feud following a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The reconciliation comes after months of political turmoil that gripped the oil-rich state, marked by fierce confrontations between rival factions loyal to both leaders. The dispute, which began in late 2023, had led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly earlier this year, as President Tinubu declared a state of emergency to restore order.
Wednesday’s meeting brought together key stakeholders including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Governor Peter Odili, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and members of the state legislature. At the end of the deliberations, all parties agreed to an eight-point resolution aimed at restoring lasting peace in Rivers.
As part of the agreement, all pending court cases and impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara will be withdrawn. The House of Assembly is to be fully restored with its salaries and operational independence guaranteed. Previously sacked commissioners will be reinstated, and the controversial caretaker committees dissolved.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Wike confirmed the truce, stating:
> “We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has agreed to work with all of us. For me, everything is over.”
Governor Fubara, who was backed by Wike during the 2023 elections before their fallout, echoed a renewed commitment to peace:
> “Peace has returned to Rivers State. We will do everything in our power to make sure we sustain it this time around.”
The resolution signals the end of a months-long standoff that many feared could destabilise the state’s governance and economic stability. Rivers, a strategic oil-producing region, had seen administrative paralysis, legislative conflict, and legal uncertainty amid the crisis.
With the peace deal in place, normal governance activities are expected to resume in full, easing tensions and paving the way for collaborative leadership in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states
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