Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described the latest resolution of the political crisis in the state as a divine breakthrough, expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his timely intervention.
Fubara spoke to journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after a peace meeting facilitated by the President and attended by key stakeholders from Rivers State, including his political rival and predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
“For me, it’s a day we have to thank Almighty God. This day is very important,” Fubara said.
The governor, who has been at the centre of the leadership crisis in the state, said peace has finally returned to Rivers, stressing that development cannot thrive in a state engulfed in conflict.
“What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God, this night, with the help of Mr. President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, our leader, peace has returned in Rivers State,” he stated.
Fubara pledged full commitment to the agreement reached during the meeting and vowed to do everything possible to maintain the peace.
“We’ll do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around,” he assured.
The face-off between Fubara and Wike began shortly after the governor assumed office in May 2023. Tensions hit a boiling point in October when pro-Wike lawmakers in the state assembly attempted to impeach him.
Following a fire outbreak at the assembly complex, Fubara ordered its demolition and relocated sittings to a temporary site. This deepened the crisis and led to several failed attempts at reconciliation.
Although a peace deal was initiated by President Tinubu in December 2023, which saw Fubara concede some political positions to Wike’s allies, the truce later collapsed.
In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, citing rising insecurity and leadership breakdown. Fubara’s executive powers were suspended, and a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), was appointed to manage the state temporarily.
With the latest truce, Governor Fubara is optimistic that Rivers State is now on the path to lasting peace and stability.
