The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed hope that President Bola Tinubu’s latest intervention in the political crisis in Rivers State will permanently resolve the protracted dispute.
Wike spoke on Tuesday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT. His comments came days after President Tinubu hosted him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday night in a renewed effort to broker peace.
Providing details of the engagement held on Monday, February 9, Wike said the meeting was convened by the President in response to the rift between him and Fubara, particularly the standoff involving the Rivers State House of Assembly. He described the initiative as a fatherly intervention aimed at restoring stability in the oil-rich state.
“I remember this is the second time the President is intervening and believe by the grace of God, this is going to be the last time,” Wike said.
He further stated, “I have told the assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate. I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure that this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord.”
Wike thanked President Tinubu for stepping in and expressed optimism that the peace move would foster lasting cooperation between Governor Fubara and the state legislature.
The intervention followed rising tensions after lawmakers loyal to Wike issued a third impeachment notice against Fubara, a development that has since become the subject of litigation. The closed-door meeting reportedly included other Rivers political stakeholders and focused on resolving the power struggle between the governor and his predecessor.
Reports also indicated that Fubara accompanied Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja, after the talks — a gesture some observers viewed as a signal of easing hostilities.
However, uncertainty remains over the durability of the truce. Questions persist over whether the pro-Wike lawmakers will withdraw the impeachment notice and whether agreements reached behind closed doors will translate into sustained political stability in Rivers State.
“All I can tell you is that Mr President has been very kind to the people of the state. If there seems to be a problem between the legislature and the governor, as a father, he really has to intervene,” Wike said.
