- Advertisement -
Tinubu brokers peace deal between Rivers Governor Fubara and FCT Minister Wike amid prolonged political crisis
Following months of political tension in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday successfully mediated a reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and aggrieved lawmakers from the state.
You don’t want to miss; FACT-CHECK: Did FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Allocate Over 2,000 Hectares of Abuja Land Worth $3.6 Billion to His Son, Joaquin
- Advertisement -
TJ News Nigeria learnt that the closed-door meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, brought all major stakeholders together in a renewed bid to stabilise the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Fragile Peace Reached
Presidency sources confirmed that the parties agreed to cease hostilities and recommit to the Peace Accord of December 2023, which had earlier failed due to unresolved grievances and political maneuvering. Wednesday’s meeting reportedly lasted several hours and included President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other senior aides.
- Advertisement -
Although no official communiqué has been released as of press time, sources familiar with the negotiation told TJ News Nigeria that the key takeaways include:
- Restoration of working relationship between Fubara and Wike.
- Withdrawal of pending court cases between the Rivers State Government and the 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC.
- Return of the defected lawmakers to their legislative seats, with recognition of their status.
- Reinstatement of local government chairmen earlier removed by Governor Fubara.
Pay Attention To: Viral Video: Moment Seyi Tinubu Blocked While Trying to Approach Pope Leo XIV at Vatican Ceremony
- Advertisement -
Background to the Crisis
The rift between Fubara, a political protégé of Wike, erupted in October 2023, shortly after Fubara assumed office. Tensions escalated when 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, defected from the PDP to the APC, leading to a constitutional crisis over the legitimacy of their seats.
The situation further deteriorated when Fubara sacked elected local government chairmen seen as Wike loyalists. In response, pro-Wike lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor. Although a peace deal brokered by President Tinubu in December 2023 temporarily calmed tensions, it soon broke down.
In a controversial turn, President Tinubu reportedly suspended Governor Fubara, a move that was widely condemned by opposition figures, civil society organisations, and legal experts who described the action as anti-democratic and a violation of constitutional norms. The alleged suspension, though lacking formal legal basis, intensified public outcry and was seen as federal overreach into state affairs.
What Stakeholders Are Saying
- Advertisement -
A senior presidency official who spoke anonymously told TJ News Nigeria that President Tinubu views the Rivers crisis as a major distraction from his reform agenda and wants a permanent resolution.
“The President made it clear that the infighting in Rivers State is unacceptable. He reminded all parties of their duty to prioritise governance over personal ambition,” the source stated.
Pro-democracy groups and elder statesmen in the South-South region have also commended the move but warned that true peace would require sincerity from both camps.
What’s Next?
- A formal statement is expected from the Presidency in the coming days.
- Both Governor Fubara and Minister Wike are expected to brief their supporters and issue unified statements.
- Observers will be watching closely for signs of implementation or renewed tensions.
TJ News Nigeria will continue monitoring the situation and provide verified updates as more details emerge.
- Advertisement -
