Peace Returns To Rivers After Presidential Mediation – Fubara

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that peace has returned to the state following a high-level reconciliation meeting facilitated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door session, Fubara described the outcome as a divine intervention and assured that he would do everything within his capacity to maintain the peace that has been restored.

“For me, it’s a day we have to thank Almighty God. What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God this night, with the help of Mr President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, our leader, peace has returned in Rivers State. We’ll do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around,” Fubara said.

The meeting, convened by President Tinubu, brought together Governor Fubara and his estranged political ally and predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Echoing the governor’s remarks, Wike confirmed that both camps had resolved their differences and committed to working in harmony for the benefit of the state.

“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us. We are members of the same political family,” Wike said.

Acknowledging that disagreements are part of political life, Wike said, “Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have a time to settle your disagreement. That has been finally concluded today. We have come to report to Mr President that this is what we have agreed. So, for me, everything is over.”

He urged political stakeholders and followers in Rivers State to embrace the renewed unity, stating, “I enjoin everybody who believes to work with us, to also work together with everybody. There’s no more acrimony. There’s nothing to say.”

Thursday night’s meeting is viewed as a potential turning point in the state’s ongoing political crisis, which had been marked by tensions between the executive and factions within the state legislature aligned with different political interests.

President Tinubu had previously intervened in December 2023 to broker peace, but tensions resurfaced earlier this year, prompting a more decisive mediation effort.

While the exact details of the new peace agreement have not been disclosed, both Fubara and Wike emerged from the meeting displaying unity and a shared commitment to Rivers State’s development.

Observers and political analysts are now watching closely for signs of stability in the state’s governance and institutional relationships, as well as the long-term impact of this reconciliation.