The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has indicated a significant shift in tone over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, saying he has instructed members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to comply with directives issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and work in line with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja, barely days after reports emerged that the Presidency had stepped in to douse tensions between the minister and his successor, whose relationship has been strained since the early days of Fubara’s administration.
Speaking to journalists, the former Rivers State governor said he had already told lawmakers loyal to him to “do the needful” by obeying the President’s intervention, expressing confidence that the Assembly would not hesitate to act accordingly.
“I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr President, which I know they will not hesitate to do,” Wike said. “I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord.”
A Softer Tone After Months of Tension
Wike’s remarks are being widely interpreted as a softening of his hardline posture in the political standoff that has paralysed governance in Rivers State for months. Since assuming office in August 2023, Governor Fubara has been locked in a fierce power struggle with his predecessor, culminating in a divided State House of Assembly, impeachment threats, street protests, and repeated interventions by party leaders and the Presidency.
The crisis reached a peak late last year when a faction of the Rivers Assembly loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, triggering public outrage and raising fears of political instability in the oil-rich state. President Tinubu subsequently intervened, convening meetings with key stakeholders and issuing directives aimed at restoring calm and ensuring continuity of governance.
While Wike had previously insisted that lawmakers act independently and within the bounds of the law, critics accused him of exerting undue influence over the Assembly to frustrate Fubara’s administration. Tuesday’s comments, however, suggest a recalibration following warnings and guidance from the Presidency.
Presidency’s Role in De-escalation
Although Wike did not explicitly detail the nature of the Presidency’s warning, sources close to the matter say the federal government was increasingly concerned about the political uncertainty in Rivers and its implications for national stability and economic activity, particularly in the Niger Delta.
President Tinubu is believed to have urged all parties to sheathe their swords, respect constitutional processes, and prioritize the welfare of Rivers residents over personal or political differences. The President reportedly emphasized that internal party disputes should not be allowed to undermine democratic governance.
Wike’s public acknowledgment of the President’s authority and his assurance that the Assembly would comply is seen as a critical step toward implementing the peace framework brokered by the federal government.
Expectation From Fubara
Beyond directing the Assembly, Wike also placed responsibility on Governor Fubara to uphold his side of the agreement reached through the Presidency’s intervention. While he did not spell out specific commitments expected from the governor, political observers believe this includes accommodating aggrieved lawmakers, refraining from punitive actions, and fostering a more inclusive governance style.
“I believe the governor will carry out his own part,” Wike said, adding that the ultimate goal is to ensure Rivers people are spared further political rancour.
Supporters of Fubara have welcomed Wike’s statement with cautious optimism, saying it offers a window for genuine reconciliation. However, they also insist that words must be matched with actions, particularly regarding the conduct of lawmakers who have remained openly hostile to the governor.
Reactions and What Lies Ahead
Reactions across Rivers State have been mixed. Some residents and civil society groups see Wike’s comments as a positive development that could finally bring an end to months of political drama. Others remain skeptical, pointing to previous peace efforts that collapsed shortly after announcements were made.
Political analysts say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the truce holds. Key indicators will include the resumption of full legislative activities by the Rivers Assembly, cooperation between the executive and legislature, and the absence of fresh impeachment threats or court battles.
For now, Wike’s declaration marks one of the clearest acknowledgments yet that the Presidency’s intervention has altered the dynamics of the Rivers crisis. Whether this soft pedal translates into lasting peace will depend on the sincerity of all actors involved—and their willingness to put Rivers State above political rivalry.
