The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has indicated that the lingering political standoff in Rivers State has been resolved after a fresh intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing FCT projects, Wike acknowledged the president’s decisive role in reconciling Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He expressed hope that the latest engagement would mark a turning point in the crisis.
“I believe that by the grace of God, this will be the last time the president will be bothered with this issue and that this will be the last time the Rivers people will need to hear this kind of discord,” Wike said.
He underscored the authority of the president’s counsel, likening Tinubu’s role to that of a father whose words must be heeded for peace to prevail.
“The president is the father of the nation, and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do what is necessary to ensure peace and progress,” he stated.
Wike also conveyed confidence that both arms of government in the state would honour the understanding reached.
“The House of Assembly will do what they are supposed to do, and I am confident that the governor will also carry out the steps required to ensure that this peace is sustained,” he added.
According to the minister, restoring calm and allowing governance to proceed unhindered is now paramount.
“The most important thing is for Rivers State to move forward, and we are grateful to Mr President for his commitment to helping us reach this point,” he said.
The crisis in Rivers had intensified in recent weeks after the state assembly – perceived to be loyal to Wike – commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
President Tinubu, in an effort to defuse the tension, summoned both Wike and Fubara to the Presidential Villa on Monday for talks aimed at finding a political solution to the impasse, a move that appears to have paved the way for a truce.