20, September 2025
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike have agreed to end their long-standing feud.
The peace deal, brokered by President Bola Tinubu, aims to restore stability and progress in the oil-rich state. Fubara made the announcement during a statewide broadcast, saying, “We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State”.
*Background of the Feud:*
– The conflict between Fubara and Wike began shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023, despite Fubara’s initial assurances that he would work closely with his predecessor.
– The feud escalated into a full-blown crisis, with Rivers State witnessing impeachment attempts, bomb blasts and the defection of 25 House of Assembly members.
– The reasons for the feud were attributed to power and control issues, with Fubara accusing Wike’s loyalists of obstructing his administration, while Wike cited betrayal and alleged that Fubara was preventing his allies from accessing funds and contracts
*Key Points of the Peace Deal:*
– Fubara and Wike have agreed to “bury the hatchet” and work together for the progress of Rivers State.
– The peace deal was reached after a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Tinubu, which saw Fubara’s executive powers suspended.
– Fubara has pledged to work harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost ground and accelerate the state’s development
*Reaction to the Peace Deal:*
– Both Fubara and Wike have expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for facilitating the peace deal.
– Fubara described the return of peace as vital to the state’s development, while Wike called for calm among his supporters