From Chaos to Control: Tinubu’s Ruthless End to the Rivers Revolt

Fubara, Tinubu and Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, confirmed on Thursday evening that the political rift between himself and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been resolved following a peace meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after the private meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Wike said both parties had reached a final agreement to end hostilities and work together in unity.

“We have all agreed to collaborate with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work with all of us. We are members of the same political family,” Wike stated.

He acknowledged the dispute had persisted for months but described Thursday’s agreement as definitive.

“Yes, just like anyone, you have disagreements, and then you have to find a time to resolve them.

“That time has come and been concluded today. We have come to report to Mr President what we have agreed, so for me, everything is over,” he added.

Read More>>>Gunmen Attack Taraba Governor Kefas' Family As Police Escort Accidentally Shoots Governor’s Sister During Commotion

Appealing for calm among political supporters, he urged, “I encourage everyone who believes in working with us to also work together with everyone else. There is no more acrimony. There is nothing more to say.”

Meanwhile, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara confirmed the truce, describing it as a moment of divine intervention and a crucial turning point for Rivers State.

“For me, this is a day to thank Almighty God. It is very important that this day has come,” Fubara said.

He stressed the importance of peace for the progress of Rivers State, noting, “What we need for the advancement of Rivers State is peace, and by God’s special grace, tonight, with the help of Mr President and the agreement of the state’s leaders, peace has returned to Rivers State.”

Fubara also pledged full commitment to maintaining the fragile unity achieved during the presidential peace meeting, adding, “We will do everything within our power to sustain it this time.”

The fallout between Wike and his political protégé, Governor Fubara, began shortly after the latter took office in May 2023.

Tensions escalated in October when members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

The governor responded by demolishing the Assembly complex following a suspicious fire, relocating legislative sessions to temporary premises.

In the months that followed, the power struggle plunged the state into a governance crisis.

In December 2023, President Tinubu intervened to facilitate a fragile truce that resulted in a peace deal, with Fubara conceding several political appointments to Wike’s loyalists.

However, the agreement eventually collapsed, and the conflict reignited, culminating in President Tinubu declaring a state of emergency on 18 March 2025.

Tinubu’s declaration suspended the governor’s executive powers for an initial period of six months due to rising insecurity and administrative paralysis.

He then appointed a sole administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.).