The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday night confirmed the resolution of his long-standing political dispute with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Wike said the reconciliation followed a peace deal facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.
“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has agreed to work with us.
We are members of the same political family,” Wike stated, describing the months-long crisis as now fully resolved.
Acknowledging the previous tensions, Wike noted, “Just like humans, there are disagreements, but there is always a time to settle them.
That has been concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr. President. For me, everything is over.”
He called on political supporters to embrace the new atmosphere of unity, adding, “There’s no more acrimony.”
Governor Fubara, who also addressed the media, described the reconciliation as a divine intervention and a pivotal moment for Rivers State.
“This is a day to thank Almighty God. What we need for progress in Rivers State is peace.
By the special grace of God, with the help of Mr. President and the agreement of our leaders, peace has returned,” Fubara said.
He pledged to uphold the fragile peace, stating, “We’ll do everything within our power to sustain it this time around.”
The feud between Wike and his political protégé began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023.
Tensions peaked in October when lawmakers loyal to Wike launched impeachment proceedings against the governor, prompting Fubara to demolish the State Assembly complex after a mysterious fire and relocate the legislature.
In December 2023, a truce brokered by President Tinubu temporarily calmed the crisis, with Fubara conceding key appointments to Wike’s allies.
However, the agreement later collapsed.
The situation worsened in March 2025, when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing growing insecurity and administrative dysfunction.
Fubara’s executive powers were suspended for six months, and a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), was appointed to oversee the state.
Thursday’s meeting marks a significant step toward restoring political stability in the oil-rich state.