Supporters of Rivers State’s suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remain divided over his reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
While some have welcomed the agreement, others view the truce, which was brokered by President Bola Tinubu, as fragile and a sign of surrender by the governor.
On Thursday night, President Tinubu mediated a peace agreement between Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, Nyesom Wike, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The closed-door meeting included Wike, Fubara, suspended Rivers State House Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and several lawmakers.
As part of the truce, Fubara agreed to complete his current term without seeking re-election in 2027 and allowed Wike to nominate all local government chairpersons across Rivers State’s 23 LGAs. Sources indicated that Fubara made significant concessions to restore peace.
After the meeting, Wike confirmed that the long-standing political feud was resolved, emphasising unity within their political family. Fubara described the agreement as a divine intervention and a pivotal moment for Rivers State, pledging to maintain the unity achieved through the presidential mediation.
However, critics argue the so-called reconciliation was actually a surrender by Fubara, who reportedly attended the Abuja meeting alone without his key supporters, while Wike came with his loyalists. Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa described the event as a forced submission rather than genuine reconciliation, signaling a return to old political power dynamics in Rivers State.
The Rivers Emancipation Movement condemned the agreement as self-serving and disconnected from the interests and sacrifices of the people, predicting it will fail like previous attempts. Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju called the peace deal fragile and a potential trap, citing Wike’s history of breaking political promises and undermining allies. He warned that Fubara should be cautious, as Wike is likely to breach the agreement deliberately.
Meanwhile, others supported the truce. The Special Adviser to Fubara on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said the reconciliation would bring peace and development to Rivers State, noting that emergency rule and the governor’s suspension had hurt the state socially and economically. He urged all parties to respect their leaders’ decisions and the governor’s office.
Omatsogunwa stated, “Now that the gladiators are ready to sheath their swords for peace, everyone must respect their leaders so the governor remains their leader. We want peace and development—businesses are shutting down, and progress has stalled.”
Addressing fears, he said he hadn’t seen any but warned the governor might face challenges, emphasising that Fubara remains the true leader of over seven million people.
Former House of Representatives member Ogbonna Nwuke described Thursday’s meeting as the peak of President Tinubu’s reconciliation efforts. He explained Fubara attended without a crowd since only key parties were needed and praised the President’s behind-the-scenes role in bringing warring factions together.
Nwuke added that lifting the governor’s suspension and ending emergency rule depends on the President’s decision, expressing confidence it would happen soon.
The PUNCH