Wike-Fubara feud: Gov’s supporters clash over peace deal

Supporters of the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, have differed over his reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

While some welcomed the development, others described the truce, which was mediated by President Bola Tinubu, as fragile and a surrender by the governor.

On Thursday night, the President brokered peace between Fubara and his political godfather, Wike.

The closed-door meeting was held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, where Tinubu hosted Wike, Fubara, and the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, alongside a handful of lawmakers.

Truce conditions

Sources in the Presidency privy to the deal said Fubara agreed to complete his ongoing term with a promise not to re-contest in 2027.

 “It was one of the issues raised. In fact, it was the main issue. He agreed to conclude his tenure in peace and leave the stage after that,” said a source.

Yes, they reached an agreement yesternight (Thursday). The goal is for peace to return to Rivers State. But I think Fubara got the shorter end of the stick,” another source revealed.

Saturday news understands that Fubara also agreed to allow Wike to nominate all the local government chairpersons across the 23 LGAs of the state.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting at the Presidential Villa, Wike confirmed that the political rift between him and Fubara had been resolved, with both camps agreeing to end hostilities and work in unity.

“We are members of the same political family,” Wike said.

He acknowledged that the crisis had lingered for months but described the Thursday agreement as conclusive.

“Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have time to also settle your disagreement. And that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr President; that is what we have agreed. So for me, everything is over,” he noted.

 On his part, Fubara confirmed the truce, describing the development as a moment of divine intervention and a crucial turning point for Rivers State.

Fubara also pledged full commitment to preserving the unity achieved during the presidential peace meeting.

The fallout

The fallout between Wike and Fubara began shortly after the latter assumed office in May 2023.

Tensions flared in October 2023 when members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

The governor responded by demolishing the Assembly complex following a suspicious fire, relocating legislative sessions to temporary quarters.

In the months that followed, the power tussle plunged the state into a governance crisis.

In December 2023, President Tinubu intervened, facilitating a fragile truce that led to a peace deal in which Fubara conceded several political appointments to Wike’s loyalists.

However, the arrangement broke down, and the conflict resurfaced as the President declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.

Tinubu’s declaration suspended the governor’s executive powers for an initial period of six months, citing rising insecurity and administrative paralysis.

He then installed a sole administrator, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.).

Meanwhile, the truce has sent a wedge between supporters of the suspended Rivers State Governor.

Concerns mainly bordered on the nature and composition of the reconciliation.

Fubara supporters reject move

A former Rivers State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr Leloonu Nwibubasa, said what transpired in Abuja was a surrender and not a reconciliation.

And the composition of that visit to Mr President is a story itself and it tells you to what extent these very divisive and vicious Abuja politicians have gone to cow the governor into surrender.”

On the implication for the state, Nwibubasa said it was a return to the trenches.

“What it behoves for Rivers people is clear, that the political structures, economic structures and realm of leadership of Rivers State have returned to the old order,” he added.