Rivers Crisis: Wike makes U-turn, calls for peace between governor, assembly

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the political crisis in Rivers State is almost resolved after President Bola Tinubu stepped in to mediate.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja, after inspecting ongoing projects in the FCT, Wike praised the president’s role as a unifying leader.

He said the president’s involvement is key to ending the conflict between the state’s executive and legislative branches.

“I believe that by the grace of God, this will be the last time the president will have to get involved in this issue, and the people of Rivers State will no longer have to hear about this kind of disagreement,” Wike said.

He stressed the importance of listening to the president’s guidance, adding, “The president is like the father of the nation, and when a father speaks, his children must listen and act to ensure peace and progress.”

Wike also spoke about the next steps for both the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He said, “The House of Assembly will do what is required, and I am confident that the governor will also take the necessary actions to make this peace last.”

He added that stability in Rivers State is now the main priority and thanked President Tinubu for his efforts in bringing the parties together.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, seen as loyal to Wike, had recently started impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.

On Monday, President Tinubu invited both Wike and Fubara to the Presidential Villa to mediate and find a political solution.