The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the lingering political crisis in Rivers State is over, stating that peace has finally returned.
Wike made the remark after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, which had in attendance President Bola Tinubu, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and lawmakers from the state.
According to Wike, all parties have resolved to work together in the interest of peace and progress. “We are members of the same political family. Just like humans, you have disagreements, but you also have time to settle them and that has been concluded today,” Wike told journalists. “For me, everything is over. There’s no more acrimony.”
The political feud, which has rocked the oil-rich state for months, saw tension between Governor Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly, and allies of Wike, leading to legal battles and fears of impeachment.
The crisis reached a climax in March when President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers, suspending Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and lawmakers, while appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to oversee the state.
However, following last night’s reconciliation, Fubara confirmed that peace has been restored. “What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God, with the help of the president and the agreement with leaders of the state, peace has returned,” the governor said.
He assured that all efforts will be made to sustain the peace and unity in the state going forward.