President Bola Tinubu has assured Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara that he will not regret accepting the peace deal aimed at resolving the state’s prolonged political crisis.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt. He commended Fubara for accepting the intervention of political leaders and withdrawing from the governorship race.
The President praised the governor for showing maturity and respecting the efforts of elders to end the dispute, which had strained political relations in Rivers State.
“I want to thank you specifically for your maturity, understanding and respect for the wisdom of elders. When we intervened, you respected our position and maintained peace. You are a committed democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done,” Tinubu said.
Fubara’s decision to accept the peace deal followed months of political tension between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike played a key role in Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023. Their relationship, however, deteriorated shortly after Fubara took office, triggering a prolonged struggle for political control of the state.
The dispute intensified as lawmakers loyal to Wike dominated the Rivers State House of Assembly and made several attempts to impeach the governor.
In March 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara and members of the state legislature for six months. The emergency rule ended in September 2025, allowing the governor to return to office.
Political tensions persisted, however, and the Assembly began another impeachment process in January 2026. It later suspended the process following fresh reconciliation efforts.
The dispute ultimately led Fubara to abandon his re-election bid and withdraw from the APC governorship primary. He said the decision was necessary to restore peace and stability in the state.
Tinubu later renewed efforts to reconcile Fubara and Wike. Both politicians have since agreed to work together towards the President’s re-election in 2027.
