Rivers Crisis Nears Resolution As Wike Pledges Peace, Hails President Tinubu’s Intervention
Fresh signs of political reconciliation have emerged in Rivers State as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declared that the lingering crisis in the oil-rich state is approaching a final resolution following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT, Wike expressed optimism that the tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly would soon be laid to rest.
“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 described Tinubu as a father figure whose guidance must be respected, stressing that the President’s mediation was pivotal in restoring calm.
“The President is the father of the nation and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do the needful to ensure peace and progress,” he added.
The Rivers political crisis, which erupted shortly after Fubara assumed office, has led to deep divisions within the state legislature, threats of impeachment, legal battles, and heightened political uncertainty. The rift has been widely linked to a power struggle over party structures and governance direction in the state.
Wike, however, signaled a shift in tone, stating that both the governor and lawmakers understand their responsibilities in sustaining peace.
“The House of Assembly will do what they are supposed to do, and I am confident that the governor will also carry out the acts required of him to ensure this peace is sustainable,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Governor Fubara moved to reinforce signs of rapprochement by reaffirming his commitment to completing the over 50-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road project — a flagship infrastructure initiative conceived during Wike’s administration.
After inspecting the project, which spans at least five local government areas and is designed to ease traffic congestion within Port Harcourt metropolis and surrounding communities, Fubara described the Ring Road as central to Rivers State’s long-term urban and economic development.
“This project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the minister. He had a very big vision. He believed that if I achieve this project at record time, people will be happy with me,” Fubara said.
He assured that the project would be delivered by October, noting that Julius Berger Nigeria Limited has committed to meeting the timeline provided funding remains consistent.
“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is also my wish and my struggle to ensure that that wish comes through,” the governor added, pledging uninterrupted funding despite prevailing political challenges.
The Port Harcourt Ring Road was flagged off at the beginning of the Fubara administration with a projected 36-month completion timeline. Analysts say its successful delivery could serve as a unifying symbol amid recent tensions.
President Tinubu’s intervention is widely seen as a strategic move to stabilise governance in Rivers State and prevent further political escalation ahead of future electoral cycles.