Fubara Expresses Reservations About Wike Reconciliation, Cites Need for Stability Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has conveyed to his supporters the difficulty he faces in accepting the recent peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Fubara described the reconciliation as feeling "heavy" and "bitter" but emphasized its necessity for restoring stability and development to Rivers State.

Governor Urges Loyalty Despite Reservations Speaking at a meeting with his support base in Port Harcourt on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Fubara urged his loyalists, known as the ‘Simplified Family,’ to align with the peace accord. He acknowledged the significant role Wike played in his political ascendancy, calling for his followers to look beyond past grievances. “Nobody can take away the role my oga played; that’s the truth, yes, we might have our differences, but nobody here will say he doesn’t know the role the man played,” Fubara stated, emphasizing the need for both parties to genuinely commit to the peace deal.

Tinubu's Intervention and the Path to Peace President Tinubu's intervention last week aimed to resolve a prolonged political conflict that has significantly hampered governance in the oil-rich state. The agreement seeks to quell tensions and allow Fubara to govern effectively. However, the governor's recent comments highlight the underlying complexities and potential challenges in maintaining the peace. Fubara revealed that he and Wike have already engaged in private discussions to address their grievances. "At this point, I’ve met him, and we have spoken; you can’t take away his not being hurt; he’s a human being. I also have my own share of pains too, and if he feels that for the pains he has gone through, these are things he wants, in as much it is not my life, I will give it to him and let us have that peace because even while all these things are going, I still, in my quiet time, appreciate and recognise the role he played, and every one of us here knows it.”

Political Analysts Weigh In Political analyst Dr. Adebayo Williams of the University of Lagos, commenting on the situation, stated, "While Tinubu's intervention is commendable, the long-term success of this peace deal hinges on genuine reconciliation and a commitment to shared governance. Fubara's reservations are understandable, given the power dynamics at play, but he must navigate this situation strategically to ensure the stability and progress of Rivers State."

Historical Context and Future Implications The political landscape in Rivers State has historically been turbulent, often marked by intense power struggles and shifting allegiances. The current feud between Fubara and Wike is the latest manifestation of these underlying tensions. The resolution of this conflict will have significant implications for the state's political future and its ability to attract investment and promote economic growth. “Rivers State has always been a strategic state, politically and economically. This reconciliation is crucial, but its effectiveness depends on the willingness of all parties to prioritize the state's interests over personal ambitions," said Barrister Chioma Okafor, a Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner and political observer.

Uncertainty Surrounding Emergency Measures Following the peace deal, there are growing expectations that President Tinubu will lift the state of emergency imposed on Rivers, including the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly. The lifting of these measures would signal a return to normalcy and allow the state government to function without undue interference.

The Road Ahead While the peace deal represents a positive step towards resolving the political crisis in Rivers State, the path ahead remains uncertain. Fubara's expressed reservations highlight the deep-seated tensions that persist between the two camps. The success of the reconciliation will ultimately depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and prioritize the interests of the state.