President Bola Tinubu has praised Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for his contributions to infrastructure development, while commending Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for embracing reconciliation.
Tinubu said Fubara demonstrated maturity by accepting the intervention of political elders and maintaining peace during the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
The President spoke on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaign rally held at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Addressing the governor, Tinubu assured him that his decision to embrace peace would not be regretted.
“Siminalayi Fubara, Your Excellency, the host governor of today, I want to thank you specifically for your maturity, understanding, respect for the wisdom of elders.
“When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed Democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive,” the President said.
Tinubu praises Wike’s contributions
The President also commended Wike, describing him as a development partner of his administration.
Tinubu praised the minister’s commitment to infrastructure development and encouraged Rivers residents to appreciate his contributions.
“Nyesom Wike is already a development partner of the Bola Tinubu administration. He’s doing a wonderful job.
“Committed, very, very hard-working, a man with a vision who combined that with a mission. I help you thank him for me, for his contribution to the infrastructural development of our country,” he said.
Tinubu further thanked Fubara for maintaining stability during the disagreement, which he described as a misunderstanding within the political family.
Background to Rivers political crisis
The political disagreement between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, began in October 2023, months after Fubara assumed office as governor.
The dispute centred on control of Rivers State’s political structure and influence over the State House of Assembly.
It triggered an attempt to impeach Fubara, divisions among lawmakers and several legal battles.
Despite earlier reconciliation efforts, the crisis escalated in March 2025 when Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The declaration suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly.
The emergency rule ended in September 2025, allowing the governor and lawmakers to return to office.
In 2026, both political camps moved towards reconciliation. Fubara subsequently recognised Wike’s leadership of the Rainbow Coalition and urged his supporters to work with the minister.
Fubara pledges three million votes for Tinubu
At Saturday’s rally, Fubara pledged that Rivers State would deliver at least three million votes for Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The governor said the commitment reflected the state’s support for the President and the political coalition.
The Rainbow Coalition, led by Wike, brings together politicians from different political parties to support Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
The rally marked another public appearance by Wike and Fubara together following their reconciliation efforts.
