The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the prolonged political tension in Rivers State is nearing a final resolution following President Bola Tinubu’s direct intervention.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT.
According to the former Rivers State governor, President Tinubu played a decisive role in calming the rift between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state. He described the president’s involvement as timely, authoritative, and crucial to restoring peace.
“I believe that by the grace of God, this will be the last time the president will be bothered with this issue and that this will be the last time the Rivers people will need to hear this kind of discord,” Wike said.
He emphasized that the president’s position as a national leader carries weight that all parties must respect.
“The president is the father of the nation, and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do the needful to ensure peace and progress,” he added.
Wike expressed confidence that both Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly would honor the understanding reached during the meeting at the Presidential Villa.
“The House of Assembly will do what they are supposed to do, and I am confident that the governor will also carry out the acts required of him to ensure this peace is sustainable,” he stated.
He stressed that moving the state forward should now take precedence over political disagreements.
The Rivers political crisis escalated after the State House of Assembly, perceived to be aligned with Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. The development deepened divisions within the state’s political structure and raised concerns about governance stability.
In response, President Tinubu convened a meeting on Monday at the Presidential Villa, bringing together Wike and Fubara in a bid to mediate and chart a path toward reconciliation.
Wike concluded by thanking the president for his efforts to restore unity and ensure sustainable peace in Rivers State.
“The most important thing is for Rivers State to move forward, and we are grateful to Mr President for his tireless commitment to ensuring that we reach this understanding,” he said.
The latest development signals a potential turning point in the political standoff, with stakeholders hopeful that the state can now focus on governance and development.
