Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State says he has reconciled with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), after months of political hostilities that plunged the state into crisis.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara described the truce as a major step toward restoring stability, noting that the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu created the pathway for peace.
“In the course of the six-month period, Mr President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully,” the governor said. “Our leader, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and I, as your governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State.”
Fubara urged Rivers residents to embrace the reconciliation as a fresh beginning, stressing that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
On Thursday, Wike confirmed he had spoken with the governor before Fubara’s return to Port Harcourt.
“I spoke with Fubara on Wednesday. I told him I was leaving for Abuja last night, and he told me he was going back to Rivers today,” Wike said. Asked if reconciliation had taken place, he replied: “I don’t talk to someone who I have not forgiven. The president has done a great deal for us, and peace has been restored.”
Fubara expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition” in resolving the crisis and thanked Wike, the National Assembly, and stakeholders across the state for their roles in the peace process.
He pledged to work harmoniously with the state assembly, resume stalled projects, and focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.
“Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future. We must rise above bitterness and division and channel our energies into rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and securing a peaceful and prosperous state for all,” he said.
The governor also commended Rivers people for their patience and resilience during the emergency rule, promising to serve with humility and renewed commitment.
