A breakthrough has been reached in the long-standing political crisis in Rivers State, Nigeria. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced that he and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara have agreed to work together, signaling a potential end to the conflict.
Wike, Fubara, President Bola Tinubu, and suspended members of the Rivers Assembly met at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, leading to a resolution to put aside their differences.
Wike, who spoke after a meeting with Fubara, President Bola Tinubu, and suspended members of the Rivers Assembly, said that though he had disagreements with the governor, the parties have now settled their differences.
“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor has also agreed to work with all of us.
”We are members of the same political family yes, just like humans, we all have disagreements, and then you also have the time to settle your disagreements, and that has been finally concluded today. We have come to report to Mr President that this is what we have agreed, ” Wike said.
The FCT Minister, who is the immediate past governor of the state, added, “For me, everything is over and in joy,” saying that “We have all agreed on everything, so we thank Almighty God.”
Fubara noted that the development signaled a return to peace in Rivers State, which had been under a state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in March.
Recalled that Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State Assembly in March for a period of six months, following failed efforts to resolve the months-long political crisis in the coastal state.
He declared a state of emergency in the state and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee the affairs of the oil-producing state.
After Thursday’s late meeting with Fubara, Wike, and the suspended lawmakers, the suspended governor said the move signals a return to peace in Rivers State.
An eight-point agreement was signed, outlining steps to navigate the crisis and restore peace, including withdrawal of Court Cases:Governor Fubara and his allies will withdraw all court cases related to the crisis, dropping impeachment proceeding initiated against Fubara by the State House of Assembly.
Among the agreements also reached is recognising the leadership of the House, under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, a Wike loyalist, the 2024 budget re-presentation by Fubara to the Amaewhule-led Assembly, restoration of Salaries and benefits: for all Assembly members and staff.
The agreement also include the Assembly having autonomy to choose its location and conduct business without interference from the Executive, the Governor will resubmit the names of resigned commissioners for approval among others.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also assured that the National Assembly would work to resolve the crisis and restore peace in Rivers State .
