Behind Closed Doors: The Night Peace Returned To Rivers State

Months of political unrest in Nigeria’s Rivers State appear to have come to an end as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, publicly reconciled, marking a significant step toward stability in the region.

The two leaders, once at the center of a fierce power struggle, now say they are committed to working together for the good of the state.

The breakthrough was announced following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on the evening of Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Also present were other key political stakeholders, who collectively reached a resolution to put aside personal differences in favor of unity and development.

Speaking to the press after the high-level discussions, Nyesom Wike, now serving as Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, expressed his relief and gratitude for the peaceful outcome.

“I want to give God the glory that today is the 26th of June 2025, that peace has finally returned to the state.

We all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us.

We are members of the same political family,” Wike stated.

Wike acknowledged that conflicts are not unusual in politics but emphasized that what truly matters is the willingness to resolve them.

According to him, Thursday night’s agreement signaled a new beginning for Rivers State.

“Just like humans, you have disagreements, and then you also have a time to also settle your disagreements, and that has been finally concluded today, and we have come to report to Mr President that is what we have agreed,” he added.

“So for me, everything is over, and I enjoin everybody to work together with everybody.

“There is no more acrimony; there is nothing to say.

“We have disagreed; we have all agreed on everything, so thank God.

“For me, it’s a day we have to thank almighty God.”

Governor Fubara, who has been navigating the political landscape since taking office in 2023, echoed Wike’s sentiments.

He described the agreement as a much-needed turning point for the oil-rich state, which has faced significant uncertainty due to the ongoing power tussle.

“For me, it’s very important that this day has come to be.

“What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and by the special grace of God this night, with the help of Mr President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, peace has returned to Rivers State,” Fubara told journalists.

He further emphasized his commitment to maintaining peace in the state, calling it essential for meaningful governance and long-term development.

With Rivers State being one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic regions, especially due to its oil production and industrial potential, the resolution of this political dispute is expected to bring renewed investor confidence and improved governance.

While details of the agreement were not fully disclosed, the optics of both leaders standing side-by-side and addressing the media with unified messages are being seen as a strong indicator that the political crisis has indeed reached a peaceful conclusion.

Observers note that the intervention of President Tinubu was instrumental in brokering the truce, reflecting the importance of federal involvement in diffusing regional tensions.

The feud between Wike and Fubara had previously disrupted the state’s political landscape.

It had created divisions within the ruling party and raising concerns among residents and political analysts.

With this reconciliation, both leaders are signaling a new chapter one where collaboration, rather than conflict, defines their relationship.

As the people of Rivers State await the practical outcomes of this newfound unity, both Wike and Fubara are now under public and political scrutiny.

This is hopefully to ensure that their commitment to peace translates into real progress.

Whether this truce leads to sustainable governance or remains a temporary ceasefire will be determined by their actions in the coming months.

For now, however, the message is clear: Rivers State is choosing peace over politics.

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