Fight is over, Wike, Fubara agree to end war in Rivers

By Kunle Sanni –

The long-standing political standoff between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come to an end, with both leaders publicly committing to peace and reconciliation.

In a video released Thursday night by President Bola Tinubu’s official videographer, Sunday Moses, the two political figures confirmed that they had agreed to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of Rivers State.

“We have all agreed to work together. Everything is over,” Wike said in the footage. “We are members of the same political family. As humans, we have disagreements. We also have time to settle those disagreements. There is no more acrimony. It’s a day we have to thank the Almighty.”

Governor Fubara, in his remarks, emphasized the need to prioritize peace. “It’s important that this day has come,” he said. “What we need in Rivers is peace. We shall do everything in our power to sustain peace in Rivers State.”

President Tinubu had earlier intervened in the crisis in late 2023, brokering a ceasefire between both camps after tensions escalated.

However, following continued tensions between the warring parties, on March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing rising political instability, pipeline vandalism, and security threats.

The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.