The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed any possibility of reconciling with Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, citing the governor’s failure to adhere to directives from President Bola Tinubu during a peace negotiation.
Tensions between Wike and Fubara began soon after the governor’s inauguration, with disagreements allegedly centered on the control of Rivers State’s political resources. Efforts to resolve the rift included an eight-point peace agreement brokered in 2023 by President Tinubu and other key stakeholders during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. However, this agreement collapsed, with Fubara later claiming he was coerced into signing the deal.
Addressing the matter during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike criticized Fubara and his allies for disregarding the president’s instructions, which included specific steps to de-escalate the conflict. According to Wike, President Tinubu had outlined a clear path for resolution, urging all parties to cooperate fully.
Wike recounted, “The president, in his wisdom, called all parties and identified the issues. He gave clear directives: withdraw the impeachment notice, follow through on specific tasks, and ensure resolution. Everyone agreed, and some steps were carried out, but others were neglected. If they couldn’t comply with all directives, they should have returned to the president for further clarification and guidance.”
Wike expressed disbelief over Fubara’s claim that the agreement was political, non-binding, and unconstitutional. “I’ve never seen such a scenario where a president facilitates peace talks, yet one party undermines the process afterward,” he stated.
The strained relationship between Wike and Fubara continues to highlight the internal conflicts within Rivers State’s political landscape. Despite efforts to mediate, the prospects for reconciliation appear increasingly dim, further complicating the state’s governance and political stability.
