Political tensions in Rivers State eased on Tuesday as former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, softened their long-running rivalry following what President Bola Tinubureportedly described as a final mediation effort.
Speaking after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said the President’s intervention should mark the end of the crisis.
“I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time. I have told the Assembly to obey Mr President, which I know they will not hesitate to do,” Wike said.
“If there seems to be a problem between the legislature and the governor, as a father, he really has to intervene.”
He described Tinubu as a peacemaker and expressed hope that similar disputes would no longer arise.
The reconciliation followed a meeting between both leaders and the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday. Presidency sources described the meeting as symbolic, noting that both men reportedly left the Villa in the same vehicle.
Fubara Praises Wike’s Vision
Governor Fubara also spoke positively about his predecessor while inspecting the over-50km Port Harcourt Ring Road project, promising it would be completed by October.
“This project is very important considering the person who conceived it — my oga, the Honourable Minister. He had a big vision,” Fubara said.
He added that completing the project would fulfil Wike’s desire to earn the appreciation of Rivers people and benefit future generations.
The governor explained that the road, which cuts across five local government areas, is designed to decongest Port Harcourt and improve access to surrounding communities. He said contractor Julius Berger Nigeria Limited reaffirmed its readiness to meet the delivery timeline if funding remains steady.
“What they need is the fund, and from my end is the push,” Fubara added.
Background to the Crisis
The political feud between Wike and Fubara began shortly after the governor assumed office in May 2023, leading to divisions within the State House of Assembly, impeachment threats and governance challenges.
President Tinubu had previously intervened in December 2023 and again in 2025 when a state of emergency was declared before civil rule was restored six months later.
The latest mediation appears to have reduced tensions, with both leaders publicly acknowledging each other’s roles in the state’s development agenda.
The PUNCH
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