Pius Nsabe
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has recently undergone a seismic shift following the dramatic reconciliation between the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. After months of deep-seated conflict and a relentless power tussle, both leaders appear to have buried the hatchet, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu playing a crucial role in brokering peace.
But while the handshake has been made, the smiles exchanged, and declarations of unity pronounced, beneath the surface, a complex political calculus continues to unfold—raising critical questions about governance, loyalty, and the true cost of peace.
Background to the Feud: From Loyalty to Rivalry
Governor Fubara, who assumed office in May 2023, was widely considered a political protégé of Nyesom Wike. Their relationship began with mutual respect and admiration, but tensions quickly emerged as both leaders began to assert divergent visions for leadership in the oil-rich state.
By October 2023, these tensions escalated dramatically when Rivers State House of Assembly members loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. In what many described as a bold and desperate move, Fubara responded by demolishing the State Assembly complex, forcing lawmakers to conduct legislative business from temporary locations. This act symbolized a deepening rupture, casting a long shadow over governance in the state.
The escalating feud plunged Rivers into a constitutional and administrative crisis, with significant implications for public service delivery and investor confidence in the state.
The Presidential Intervention
In an attempt to restore order, President Bola Tinubu summoned both men to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, held behind closed doors and stretching late into the night, was intense and emotionally charged. According to insider reports, Tinubu emphasized the national consequences of the Rivers crisis and appealed to both leaders to prioritize state stability over personal grievances.
Out of this meeting came a peace agreement that would see Fubara complete his current term without seeking re-election in 2027, while Wike would retain considerable influence over political appointments, especially the selection of local government chairpersons across the 23 LGAs of Rivers State.
While the details of the agreement were not officially published, insiders revealed that the deal demanded significant concessions from Fubara.
Reactions and Public Sentiment: A House Divided
The peace accord has generated mixed reactions across Rivers State and beyond. Governor Fubara’s speech to supporters in Port Harcourt following the agreement was both poignant and revealing. He described the reconciliation as “bitter and heavy” but said it was necessary for the good of the state. Acknowledging Wike’s political influence, he called on his followers to let go of bitterness and embrace peace.
“We have met. We have discussed. It is not easy, but it is necessary,” Fubara said. “Genuine peace must come from commitment and truth.”
Despite these assurances, many of Fubara’s supporters feel betrayed. The Rivers Emancipation Movement, a prominent civil society group, condemned the reconciliation, labeling it “not in the interest of the people.” According to them, Fubara’s concessions amount to a “surrender” of his authority, made without sufficient consultation.
Former Rivers State Commissioner Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa echoed this view, describing the deal as “hollow and self-serving.” According to Nwibubasa, any peace that undermines the democratic mandate of an elected governor cannot be sustainable. Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju also voiced skepticism, warning that Wike’s past suggests he may not honor the spirit of the deal.
The Balance of Power: Who Truly Won?
The reconciliation has raised pressing questions about who really came out on top. While Wike managed to retain significant influence in the affairs of Rivers State, Fubara was compelled to give up critical political ground. By agreeing not to contest in 2027 and allowing Wike to dictate local government appointments, Fubara is seen by critics as having traded away his autonomy for temporary peace.
Political analysts argue that while the truce may ease short-term tensions, it risks creating long-term instability by placing unelected individuals in influential positions and weakening democratic institutions.
Still, some observers suggest that Fubara made a pragmatic choice. With the political machinery of the state tilted heavily in Wike’s favor—including influence over lawmakers and local party structures—continuing the feud might have led to a prolonged impasse that could cripple the state.
Implications for Governance and Development
Fubara has stated that the peace agreement will allow for faster implementation of stalled projects, particularly those affected by the political crisis. For months, the state’s governance apparatus was slowed down by executive-legislative confrontations, delayed budgets, and disrupted oversight functions.
There is hope among optimists that with the feud resolved, Rivers State can refocus on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and job creation. If implemented in good faith, the peace deal could create a window of opportunity for accelerated progress.
But that is a big “if.”
Critics worry that with Wike maintaining behind-the-scenes control, Fubara’s administration may lack the independence necessary to take bold or innovative decisions. There is also concern that loyalty to external power brokers rather than the electorate could distort policy priorities and reduce accountability.
Political Precedent and Future Ramifications
The reconciliation sets a controversial precedent. By allowing a political godfather to dictate the terms of governance for a sitting governor, it undermines the very essence of electoral democracy. Future governors may be discouraged from asserting independence, while ambitious political players may be emboldened to use legislative muscle to control successors.
Moreover, the agreement—if it holds—effectively removes Fubara from the 2027 electoral equation, potentially creating a vacuum in Rivers PDP leadership. This could lead to fresh tussles over who will be Wike’s anointed candidate in the next elections and whether that person would enjoy broad public support.
The Role of President Tinubu
President Tinubu’s involvement in the peace process has been met with both praise and skepticism. Supporters commend him for preventing a full-blown crisis that could destabilize the South-South geopolitical zone. Critics, however, question the constitutionality and democratic integrity of a deal struck in private, without transparency or input from elected officials or the public.
Regardless of perception, Tinubu’s role reinforces the centrality of federal influence in resolving subnational disputes—often at the cost of institutional checks and balances.
The Way Forward: A Call for Vigilance and Accountability
For Rivers State to move forward meaningfully, the reconciliation must be matched by transparency, inclusion, and commitment to service delivery. Fubara and Wike must ensure that their truce is not merely symbolic but translates into policies and programs that uplift the lives of the people.
Civil society organizations, religious leaders, youth groups, and the media must continue to monitor developments, ensuring that the spirit of peace does not become an excuse for impunity, nepotism, or poor governance.
The people of Rivers State deserve more than just political stability; they deserve inclusive governance, fiscal transparency, and lasting development.
The Fubara-Wike reconciliation may have temporarily ended hostilities, but it has opened a new chapter fraught with complexities. For some, it is a necessary step towards restoring order; for others, it is a betrayal of public trust.
Only time will tell whether this fragile truce will hold or unravel under the weight of its own contradictions. As the state marches forward, the people of Rivers must remain engaged, informed, and vigilant—because in a democracy, peace without justice is only the calm before another storm.