Supporters of the embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remain divided following his recent reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The peace deal, brokered by President Bola Tinubu during a closed-door meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Thursday night, has sparked both relief and suspicion across the state’s political landscape.
While some factions have hailed the truce as a step toward stability, others see it as a capitulation by Governor Fubara. According to sources within the Presidency, a key condition of the agreement is that Fubara will complete his current term but will not seek re-election in 2027. “It was one of the issues raised. In fact, it was the main issue. He agreed to conclude his tenure in peace and leave the stage after that,” a source disclosed.
Additionally, it was revealed that Wike will have the authority to nominate all local government chairpersons across Rivers State’s 23 LGAs. okay.ng reports that the meeting also included the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and several lawmakers loyal to Wike.
- After the meeting, Wike told journalists, “We are members of the same political family.” He described the agreement as final, stating, “Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have time to also settle your disagreement. And that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr President; that is what we have agreed. So for me, everything is over.”
Governor Fubara echoed this sentiment, calling the truce a “divine intervention” and pledging to uphold the unity achieved at the meeting.
The feud between Wike and Fubara erupted soon after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. By October, tensions escalated when pro-Wike lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara. In response, the governor demolished the Assembly complex after a mysterious fire, relocating legislative activities to temporary venues. The ensuing power struggle led to a governance crisis, prompting President Tinubu to intervene in December 2023 with a fragile peace deal that ultimately collapsed.
Matters worsened in March 2025 when Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Fubara’s executive powers for six months and appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator due to rising insecurity and administrative paralysis.
The latest reconciliation has polarized Fubara’s supporters. Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former Rivers State Commissioner, criticized the Abuja meeting as a surrender, not a reconciliation. “What I see is not reconciliation. What I see is a surrender,” he said, noting that Fubara attended the meeting alone, unlike Wike, who was accompanied by his loyalists.
The Rivers Emancipation Movement also condemned the deal, arguing it prioritized the interests of a few over the collective will of Rivers people. “REM unequivocally frowns at this so-called reconciliation in its entirety. It is nothing more than a hollow, self-serving political arrangement,” said the group’s president, Zoe Tamunotonye.
Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju described the peace as “fragile,” warning that Wike’s history suggests the truce may not hold. “Governor Fubara must prepare his mind that this reconciliation is a trap, and not a truce,” he cautioned.
On the other hand, Jerry Omatsogunwa, Fubara’s Special Adviser on Electronic Media, expressed optimism that the reconciliation would restore peace and development. He urged all parties to respect the leaders’ decisions for the good of the state.
Former House of Representatives member Ogbonna Nwuke also praised President Tinubu’s efforts, calling the meeting the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes negotiations. He expressed hope that the governor’s suspension would soon be lifted and the state of emergency ended.
As Rivers State awaits the next steps from the Presidency, the political landscape remains tense, with many watching closely to see whether this latest peace deal will bring lasting stability or further discord.
