Tinubu Brokers Peace As Wike And Fubara Resolve Rift In Historic Meeting.
In a significant step towards restoring stability in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has successfully mediated a reconciliation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. The breakthrough was announced following a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, 26 June 2025, marking the end of a protracted political crisis that has gripped the oil-rich state for nearly two years.
The meeting, which also included the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other key lawmakers, focused on resolving the bitter feud between Wike and Fubara, which had destabilised governance in Rivers State. The political rift, rooted in a power struggle between the former governor and his successor, escalated into legal battles, defections, and impeachment threats, culminating in President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025. This led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) appointed as interim administrator.
The reconciliation marks a turning point for Rivers State, which has been plagued by political turmoil since October 2023, when an attempt to impeach Fubara by lawmakers loyal to Wike divided the State House of Assembly. The crisis intensified with court cases, including a Supreme Court ruling recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly and nullifying local government elections, further complicating governance in the state.
President Tinubu’s intervention, described as a testament to his commitment to peace, built on earlier efforts, including a December 2023 peace accord that temporarily eased tensions. Sources indicate that the latest meeting, held over two days between Wednesday and Thursday, saw both Wike and Fubara commit to setting aside their differences for the greater good of Rivers State. “President Tinubu has demonstrated once again that he wants peace for Rivers State,” a presidency source noted. “This reconciliation is a major step towards restoring stability and fostering development.”
While details of the agreement remain undisclosed, both parties have expressed a willingness to move forward. Wike, who previously advocated for Fubara’s outright removal, acknowledged the President’s call for peace, stating, “The President has called for peace severally, and I cannot sit down when the President has called for peace and say, ‘I don’t want peace.’” He confirmed Fubara’s reconciliatory efforts, noting that the suspended governor had visited him alongside two APC governors and an elder, a gesture Wike described as a positive step.
Fubara, speaking earlier at a tribute event for the late Niger Delta statesman Edwin Clark, emphasised his desire to prioritise the state’s interests over personal ambitions. “We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. What is important is for the state to move forward,” he said, underscoring his commitment to peaceful coexistence despite the challenges of his suspension.
The resolution has sparked optimism across Nigeria, with citizens and leaders alike hailing Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts. Posts on X reflected public sentiment, with users expressing hope that the reconciliation would pave the way for lasting peace and development in Rivers State. “This is a major step toward restoring peace and stability in Rivers State, where the political feud had threatened governance,” one user wrote, echoing the sentiments of many.
The Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), which recently established a peace committee led by former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah, welcomed the development as a “golden opportunity” for Wike and Fubara to end their feud. “The crisis is not doing the state any good. They must utilise this opportunity to move forward,” a PANDEF source remarked.
While the specifics of the reconciliation agreement remain under wraps, the involvement of key stakeholders, including Rivers State lawmakers, suggests a comprehensive approach to resolving the crisis. The agreement is expected to address contentious issues such as the reinstatement of suspended officials and the restoration of democratic governance in the state. The presidency has assured Nigerians that the resolution prioritises the interests of Rivers State’s citizens, ensuring that governance and development take precedence over political rivalries.
As Rivers State emerges from months of uncertainty, the reconciliation between Wike and Fubara offers hope for a unified and prosperous future. President Tinubu’s mediation has been lauded as a masterstroke in leadership, reinforcing his commitment to fostering peace and stability across Nigeria. With both leaders now aligned in their pursuit of progress, Rivers State stands poised to reclaim its position as a beacon of development in the Niger Delta.