Amid a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has voiced strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, while also revealing a willingness to reconcile with his embattled successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, but only on sincere terms.
Speaking during a media engagement in Abuja on Friday, Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, said he initially pushed for Fubara’s outright removal but eventually agreed with the President’s approach, which included the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly, followed by the appointment of a sole administrator.
Wike said Tinubu’s intervention was necessary to prevent what he described as an imminent breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich state, following months of tensions between rival factions in the state government.
“While I personally wanted the governor removed, I recognise that the President’s action was aimed at stabilising the state. Rivers was on the edge,” Wike said. “That decision stopped chaos from erupting.”
The crisis, which has splintered the political structure in Rivers, escalated after a prolonged power tussle between Fubara and Wike. What started as a quiet rift soon turned public, involving budget controversies, impeachment threats, and legislative walkouts.
At the height of the standoff, the Supreme Court ordered lawmakers loyal to Martin Amaewhule to resume legislative duties, rejecting an appeal from Fubara questioning their legitimacy. The ruling added more pressure on the state’s leadership, prompting further federal intervention.
President Tinubu eventually stepped in, ordering a temporary suspension of key state officials and assigning retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to manage the state’s affairs.
Despite the high stakes and public bitterness, Wike revealed that he has not shut the door on peace. According to him, two state governors have tried to mediate, and he is open to reconciliation if Fubara shows genuine remorse.
“If he comes sincerely, yes, I can forgive him,” Wike stated. “I told those governors — I am open to peace, but it has to be real. No politics.”
The feud between both men has triggered significant political realignment in Rivers State, with 27 lawmakers switching allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While the courts continue to weigh in on various aspects of the crisis, governance in the state remains under emergency administration.
Though Wike maintained that political power should not be about making opponents comfortable, he acknowledged that President Tinubu’s timely intervention averted a more destructive path.
“The President didn’t take sides; he saved the state,” Wike insisted. “For that, people should be grateful.”
As the conflict simmers, attention now turns to whether efforts at reconciliation will succeed, or whether Rivers will remain a battleground in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape.
