Tinubu Reconciles Wike, Fubara, and Lawmakers in Major Rivers State Peace Deal
Abuja – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has successfully reconciled the key political actors in Rivers State, ending a prolonged political crisis that led to a state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.
The breakthrough came late Thursday night following a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Present at the meeting were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara; and House Speaker Martins Chike Amaewhule.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development on Friday via his official X handle. He posted images of the meeting and praised the President’s efforts to restore peace in the oil-rich state.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated once again that he wants peace for Rivers State,” Onanuga said. “Just like he brought the political gladiators together to sign a peace deal in December 2023, he repeated the same on Thursday night, three months after imposing the March 18 state of emergency.”
Crisis Background and Emergency Declaration
Thewatch.ng had earlier reported that the Rivers political landscape was thrown into disarray following a fierce power struggle between former governor Wike and his successor, Fubara. The situation escalated into legislative walkouts, legal battles, and mass protests.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing threats to the security of lives and property. In a controversial move, he also suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
Thursday’s meeting marks the first formal reconciliation of the feuding factions since that declaration.
“Peace Has Returned” – Source
A source familiar with the discussions told thewatch.ng that the President was briefed that the crisis had been resolved.
“From the body language after the meeting with the President, I can tell you that they (Wike, Fubara, and the lawmakers) have resolved their differences,” the source said.
With this development, the political impasse in Rivers appears to be easing, though it remains to be seen what implications the reconciliation will have on governance and the upcoming elections in the state.
