The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured Nigerians that peace has returned to Rivers State after months of political turmoil.
Wike revealed that he spoke with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is set to return to the state following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the six-month emergency rule.
Tinubu had in March suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly after a bitter power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. The crisis threw Rivers politics into uncertainty, forcing the president to intervene directly.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Wike disclosed that Fubara confirmed his return.
“As I speak to you, I spoke to the Governor yesterday. I told him I was leaving that night to come back, and he told me he was leaving this morning,” Wike said.
He added that the Rivers State House of Assembly has also taken steps to “set the tone for peace” and ensure stability.
The end of the emergency rule marks a turning point in one of Nigeria’s most turbulent state-level political crises in recent years. Many observers believe the reconciliation between Fubara and his political camp will determine how stable Rivers remains ahead of future elections.
For now, Wike insists the state is ready to move forward in the interest of its people.
