Story written (by Springnewsng, June 28, 2025):
In a major political breakthrough, President Bola Tinubu has successfully brokered peace between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; and suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, ending months of political tension in the oil-rich state.

The high-stakes reconciliation meeting, held late Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, ended with all factions pledging to work together for peace, unity, and good governance in Rivers State.

“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has also agreed to work with all of us,” Wike said after the meeting. The former Rivers governor and current FCT Minister added, “For me, everything is over and in joy. We have all agreed on everything, so we thank Almighty God.”

‘Peace Has Returned in Rivers State’

Wike noted that internal disagreements are natural in politics but stressed the importance of reconciliation: “We are members of the same political family. Yes, just like humans, we all have disagreements, and then you also have the time to settle your disagreements – and that has been finally concluded today.”

In March 2025, President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers Assembly for six months after months of failed peace efforts. He also declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and appointed retired Navy Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee its affairs during the crisis.

The suspension and emergency declaration drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians, opposition leaders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and other groups. Critics called the move unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.

However, President Tinubu defended the decision, saying it was taken in the best interest of the state and nation, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis. He emphasized that he could not stand by while the crisis escalated unchecked.

Impeachment Threats and Explosions Escalated Tensions

The political tension intensified when Rivers Assembly lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule, loyal to Wike, threatened to impeach Fubara for allegedly failing to implement a Supreme Court ruling regarding the state’s political structure.

As tensions mounted, pipeline explosions were reported in parts of Rivers State, further worsening the situation. These developments triggered President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency to restore order.

Despite the long-standing feud and months of mutual accusations, a viral video clip after Thursday’s meeting showed the key players—Wike, Fubara, and the lawmakers—smiling, shaking hands, and posing for photos in a noticeably more relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

While President Tinubu did not address the press after the meeting, sources indicate the state of emergency may soon be lifted, signaling a return to democratic governance and stability in the coastal state.

This latest reconciliation marks the second meeting between Tinubu and Fubara since the latter’s suspension. Earlier in June, Fubara visited Tinubu at his Lagos residence, a meeting confirmed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who posted photos on his X (formerly Twitter) handle with the caption:

“Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers, now on suspension from office, visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Tuesday.”

With peace talks now concluded and unity restored, Rivers State looks forward to a new chapter of cooperation and political stability.

Tags: Rivers State Crisis, Wike Fubara Tinubu Reconciliation, Impeachment Threats, State of Emergency Nigeria, Ibok-Ete Ibas, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, PDP, Labour Party, NBA, PANDEF, Pipeline Explosions, Section 305 Constitution, Nigeria Politics 2025, Springnewsng