Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly will comply fully with President Bola Tinubu’s directives following his latest intervention in the state’s political crisis.
Wike spoke to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday after inspecting ongoing projects in the FCT.
According to him, President Tinubu convened a closed-door meeting on Sunday night at the Presidential Villa.
The meeting brought together Wike, Governor Fubara, and other key stakeholders to address the prolonged rift between the governor and the state legislature.
Wike described the President’s intervention as timely and fatherly.
“If there seems to be a problem between the legislature and the governor, as a father, he really has to intervene. And he did,” he said.
Second Intervention, Final Hope
This is the second time President Tinubu has personally stepped in to mediate the crisis this year.
Wike expressed confidence that this intervention would be the last.
“I remember this is the second time Mr President has intervened. By the grace of God, this will be the last time,” he said.
Assembly, Governor to Comply
The former Rivers governor said he had directed members of the House of Assembly to act swiftly in line with the President’s instructions.
“I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr President, which I know they will not hesitate,” Wike stated.
He also expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would honour his part of the agreement.
“I believe the governor will also carry out his own part, so this will be the final time Rivers people will hear of this kind of discord,” he added.
Symbolic Reconciliation
Following the Villa meeting, Governor Fubara accompanied Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja.
Observers have interpreted the move as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and a possible thaw in their strained relationship.
Roots of the Crisis
The political crisis in Rivers State has lingered for nearly three years.
It stems from power struggles between Wike, the former governor and political mentor, and the current administration under Fubara.
The dispute has led to divisions within the House of Assembly, declaration of a six-month state of emergency, impeachment threats, court battles, and disruptions to governance in the oil-rich state.
Eyes on 2027
President Tinubu’s intervention is widely seen as an effort to restore political stability in a key state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike has previously boasted of his strong political structure in Rivers and its capacity to support Tinubu independently.
Although the Presidency has yet to release an official statement on the meeting’s resolutions, Wike’s assurances have raised cautious optimism.
For many in Rivers State, lasting peace will depend on whether all parties truly abide by the President’s directive.
