There are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu may lift the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State following a political reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The resolution comes after weeks of consultations and multiple closed-door meetings convened by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to broker peace between the warring factions.
Sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed that Tinubu met with Fubara, Wike and key lawmakers late Thursday night to receive updates on the outcome of the peace meetings. The talks, which extended into the early hours of Friday, resulted in a firm agreement to end the protracted political feud that has threatened governance and stability in the state.
President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on March 18 after tensions escalated between Governor Fubara and a group of lawmakers loyal to Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking after the meeting, Wike said all parties had resolved their differences and agreed to work together to maintain stability.
“We have all agreed to work with the governor and the governor has agreed to work with all of us,” Wike told reporters. “Just like humans, there is a time for disagreement and a time to settle. That has been concluded today and we have reported to Mr. President. Everything is over.”
Governor Fubara also confirmed the truce and pledged to uphold peace in the state. “For me, it is a day to thank Almighty God. What Rivers State needs for progress is peace and by the special grace of God this night, with the help of Mr. President and our leaders, peace has returned,” the governor said. “We will do everything within our power to make sure we sustain it.”
Political observers view the reconciliation as a critical step to restore confidence in Rivers State’s governance, which has been hampered by infighting within the ruling political bloc.
President Tinubu’s direct involvement underscores the federal government’s commitment to resolving intra-party disputes that could undermine political stability in oil-rich states like Rivers.
With both factions pledging to work together, the lifting of the State of Emergency is now widely expected, provided the truce holds and no fresh disputes arise.
