After nearly two years of bitter political crisis, Rivers State is witnessing what many now call a quiet but dramatic return to peace.
The suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, appears set to reclaim his seat — but under heavy conditions that have stirred mixed emotions across the state.
President Bola Tinubu, who had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, brokered a rare peace agreement last Thursday between Fubara and his estranged godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The fallout between the duo had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, forcing Tinubu to suspend Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator to manage the state temporarily.
But signs of a political thaw emerged two days after the deal. Fubara, Wike, and the suspended Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, made a surprise public appearance together at the burial of Wike’s uncle in Rumuepirikom.
Peace Process Captivates Public
The sight of Fubara and Wike arriving in the same vehicle sent a strong signal. Videos circulated online showed Fubara entering Wike’s Port Harcourt residence that Saturday. The gesture, small as it seemed, carried heavy political symbolism.
BREAKING: Governor Fubara visits FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at his Port Harcourt residence pic.twitter.com/2WPh0IagaZ
— Azlan Of The Confluence® 🇳🇬 (@Shaibu_AO) June 28, 2025
“We have fought. But if you want to be truthful to yourself, the only solution now is peace,” Fubara told supporters during a heartfelt address.
“Nobody can take away the role the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, played — that’s the truth,” he added, openly acknowledging the man many believe orchestrated his political rise.
A One-Term Deal and Political Concessions
Though the handshake of peace has been made, insiders say it came with painful compromises. According to sources close to the negotiation, Fubara agreed to a one-term governorship and will not contest in 2027.
“He abandoned his political family and aligned with those who never wanted him as governor,” one source disclosed, referencing the tensions that triggered the fallout.
The agreement also includes plans for Fubara to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would align him with Tinubu and the FCT Minister — a pattern already seen in other South-South states.
“APC wants to get the entire southern Nigeria because there is no guarantee the North will support Tinubu in 2027,” the insider added.
Local Government Elections Under Watch
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, has reportedly scheduled August 9 for local government elections. However, Fubara is expected to conduct the polls without nominating any candidate — not even a councillor.
A former official revealed that many former council chairmen loyal to Wike may return to complete their terms.
This setup is meant to validate Michael Odey’s controversial appointment as RSIEC Chairman. Odey, a Cross River native, had drawn criticism from some senators over federal character concerns.
Conditions of Return and Purge of Allies
Sources say Fubara must remove key allies from his cabinet as part of the deal. These include Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, former Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, and several commissioners.
“He must come home clean,” the source insisted. “Those people around him were the true enemies of the state. They never wanted Fubara as governor.”
Former political heavyweights like Abiye Sekibo, Uche Secondus, and Celestine Omehia are expected to be cut off from Fubara’s camp.
Additionally, Fubara was directed to pay all outstanding allowances to the 27 lawmakers loyal to Amaewhule to avoid impeachment proceedings.
Tinubu’s Calculated Mediation
President Tinubu’s involvement in the crisis has been deliberate and strategic. After months of failed interventions, the recent deal appears to be a last-ditch effort to stabilise one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive states.
The peace picture — Tinubu flanked by Wike and Fubara, all smiling — has circulated widely. It has become the defining image of the deal.
Many see it as a victory for Tinubu’s quiet diplomacy. Others see it as capitulation under pressure.
A Costly Path to Peace
In his Saturday speech, Fubara was visibly reflective. Speaking in metaphor, he compared the current moment to a Tilapia fish hiding in the mud to grow.
“If you want to grow up to my size, hide your head inside the mud,” he said, urging supporters to accept the heavy price of peace.
“We’ve done our best. What we need now is peace so we can grow. I know it’s difficult, but that’s the truth,” he added.
He assured his supporters that he wouldn’t abandon them but asked them to prepare for sacrifice.
“Whichever way it goes, I will not abandon anybody,” Fubara said. “But the sacrifice we’re going to make for peace is heavy.”
The Way Forward for Rivers State
Fubara’s appeal to his base was simple: let go of pride and anger. Choose the state over politics.
“There’s no price too big for peace,” he reminded them, stressing that development in Rivers had stalled due to the crisis.
He urged supporters to show loyalty by backing the peace, however bitter it may taste.
“Without reconciliation, there’s no way we can make progress. There’s no way the President can save the situation. I want to appeal to everyone — I have accepted this peace. You must too,” he concluded.
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