Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday confirmed that he has reconciled with his estranged political godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, after months of bitter hostilities that nearly crippled governance in the oil-rich state.
In a statewide broadcast, Fubara said the truce, brokered by President Bola Tinubu after six months of political tension and emergency rule in the state, marked “a new beginning” for Rivers.
“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 declared.
He described the period of emergency rule as difficult for the state but stressed that it provided the platform for lasting reconciliation.
“In the course of the six-month period, Mr President graciously brokered the peace process with all the parties successfully. The costliest peace is still cheaper than the cheapest war,” the governor said.
Fubara appealed to political leaders, stakeholders and residents of the state to seize the moment, warning against any attempts to reopen old wounds.
“This is a fresh beginning. We cannot afford renewed divisions. Rivers people must come together to build the future we all desire,” he added.
On his part, Wike confirmed the reconciliation, saying he had forgiven Fubara and was committed to sustaining the peace.
“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. I don’t talk to someone who I have not forgiven,” Wike said.
The minister praised President Tinubu’s intervention, noting that his efforts prevented further escalation of the crisis.
“The president has done a great deal for us, and peace has been restored,” Wike added.
The rift between Fubara and Wike had triggered a major political crisis in Rivers, leading to the division of the state assembly, mass protests, and fears of instability in the Niger Delta.
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