ABUJA: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have confirmed a new peace agreement facilitated by President Bola Tinubu aimed at ending the prolonged political turmoil in the oil-rich South-South state.
President Tinubu hosted a late-night meeting in Abuja on Thursday, which included the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other key lawmakers. The closed-door session resulted in a fresh truce following months of tension and failed reconciliation efforts.
A video clip shows Wike, Fubara, and Assembly members speaking to journalists after the meeting, signaling a breakthrough in the Rivers political impasse.
After the meeting, Wike said all parties had agreed to bury their differences and collaborate moving forward.
We’ve all agreed to work together with the governor. He has also agreed to work with all of us. We’re from the same political family, Wike said.
The FCT Minister acknowledged the long-standing feud but affirmed the conflict had now been resolved.
Yes, disagreements happen, but there is also a time to make peace. Today marks that resolution. We’ve come to report to Mr. President what we’ve agreed on.
Everything is over now, he stated, urging stakeholders to work in unity without further acrimony.
Governor Fubara praised the peace deal brokered by Tinubu, stating that it was crucial for the state’s development.
“This is a significant day for Rivers State. What we need for progress is peace. By the special grace of God, peace has returned, he declared.
Fubara pledged to uphold the new peace agreement, assuring that his camp would do everything within its power to sustain the truce.
“This time, we’re committed to making sure it holds, he added.
Although the terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, observers are closely watching to see whether Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the suspended lawmakers will be reinstated before the end of the six-month suspension declared by Tinubu.
The rift between Wike and Fubara began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023. The dispute split the state assembly, with 27 lawmakers supporting Wike and only three aligning with Fubara.
Fubara claimed the defected lawmakers had lost their seats, but a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, upheld the pro-Wike lawmakers as the legitimate assembly.
This led to a series of retaliatory moves, including the stoppage of federal allocations and the nullification of local government elections previously held by Fubara’s administration.
On March 14, the pro-Wike assembly-initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy, accusing them of financial misconduct, bypassing legislative approval, and obstructing assembly functions.
They also alleged that the deputy governor aided in appointing officials without required legislative screenings.
Fubara’s removal of elected local government chairpersons, citing adherence to court rulings, further intensified the crisis.
Amid escalating political tensions and reported sabotage of oil infrastructure, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18. He suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all assembly members for six months.
Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
The unprecedented move triggered nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians criticizing the president for removing elected officials and sidelining democratic processes.
This is not Tinubu’s first attempt at resolving the political feud in Rivers State. In 2023, he brokered an initial peace agreement between the rival camps. However, that deal later collapsed, resulting in the resurgence of hostilities.
This latest truce—described by both Wike and Fubara as final comes at a crucial time for the state’s political and economic stability.
While the public awaits further details on the truce and the status of suspended officials, political analysts note that Tinubu’s direct involvement in restoring order signals the federal government’s recognition of Rivers State’s strategic importance particularly as Nigeria’s top oil-producing region.
Observers caution that unless clearly defined power-sharing mechanisms and mutual respect are sustained, the peace may only be temporary.
The nation now watches closely as Tinubu attempts to restore governance in Rivers State amid calls for democratic norms and rule of law.
