Wike: We’ve reached a final agreement to work with governor Fubara
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the resolution of his longstanding political conflict with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following a peace meeting mediated by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday night after a closed-door session at the Presidential Villa, Wike announced that both sides had agreed to end the feud and collaborate going forward.
“We’ve all agreed to work with the governor, and he has also agreed to work with us. We remain members of the same political family,” Wike stated.
He acknowledged that the dispute had dragged on for months but described the latest agreement as definitive.
“Disagreements happen, but so does reconciliation. Today, we’ve concluded that reconciliation, and we’ve come to brief Mr. President. For me, this matter is now resolved,” he said.
Wike urged supporters and political associates to embrace the peace accord, adding, “Let everyone who believes in our cause come together now. The conflict is behind us.”
Governor Fubara, also present at the meeting, echoed Wike’s sentiments, calling the reconciliation a divine intervention and a turning point for Rivers State.
“It’s a day to thank the Almighty. Peace is essential for the progress of Rivers State, and by the special grace of God, with the help of Mr. President and the leaders of our state, peace has returned,” Fubara declared.
He pledged to protect the unity achieved and ensure the state remains stable. “We will do everything within our power to maintain this peace going forward,” he affirmed.
The political fallout between Wike and Fubara, his former protégé, began soon after Fubara took office in May 2023. Tensions escalated in October when lawmakers aligned with Wike moved to impeach the governor. Fubara responded by demolishing the Assembly complex after a mysterious fire, relocating legislative activities.
The power struggle deepened, paralyzing governance in Rivers State. In December 2023, President Tinubu brokered an initial peace agreement, which saw Fubara cede key political appointments to Wike loyalists. However, that arrangement eventually collapsed.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, citing administrative breakdown and worsening insecurity. He suspended Governor Fubara’s executive powers and appointed a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial six-month period.
