Wike Declares End to Political Feud with Fubara
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced that his longstanding political disagreement with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been resolved. Speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Wike urged supporters from both sides to embrace peace and work together for the benefit of the state.
He described the earlier supremacy battle as damaging, noting that Rivers State bore the brunt of the conflict. “The state was the biggest loser in this crisis,” Wike said, adding that continued fighting would only deepen the losses.
Acknowledgement of Mistakes and Call for Unity
Wike admitted that mistakes were made during the feud but emphasized that both parties have recognised that the dispute was not in the state’s interest. He urged citizens to support the reconciliation and refrain from questioning the governor’s motives, stating that such criticism does not serve Rivers State.
He posed a reflective question: “During all these fights, who lost?” and answered that it was the state and its people who suffered. Consequently, he argued that anyone who wishes the state to continue losing is acting against its welfare.
Details of the Reconciliation Process
The former governor pointed out that Fubara’s early attempt to build an independent political structure contributed to the deterioration of their relationship. After Fubara assumed office, lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated impeachment attempts, a situation that persisted until President Bola Tinubu imposed a six‑month state of emergency in Rivers State.
A truce was eventually reached after Fubara defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike credited the reconciliation to compromise, sacrifice, and a genuine willingness to forgive, noting that he has personally extended forgiveness to the governor.
To solidify the peace, a committee has been established to engage political stakeholders across the state. Its goal is to ensure that every segment of society is included in the effort to build a united and prosperous Rivers State.
Vision for a United Rivers State
Wike reiterated that the Rainbow Coalition remains the most viable political arrangement in Rivers State, asserting that electoral success depends on broad alliances rather than party loyalty alone. He called on politicians to prioritize the state’s interest over any political party, be it APC, PDP, Labour Party or any other group.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as beneficial for both Rivers State and Nigeria at large. Wike expressed confidence that, with the restoration of peace, Governor Fubara will be able to focus on governance and drive noticeable improvements within the next year.
Concluding his remarks, Wike warned that those who have profited from division and instability will no longer have the space to further split the state. He urged all residents to remain united, work together, and build Rivers State for the collective benefit of its people.
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