The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the protracted political crisis in Rivers State is close to a permanent resolution, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday after inspecting ongoing projects in the FCT, Wike expressed confidence that the president’s mediation had effectively quelled tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
He described President Tinubu as a unifying national figure whose decisive leadership was instrumental in restoring calm.
“I believe that, by the grace of God, this will be the last time the president will be bothered with this issue, and the last time the people of Rivers State will hear of this kind of discord,” Wike said.
Emphasising the authority of the president’s role, the former Rivers State governor noted that Tinubu’s counsel carried binding weight for all parties involved.
“The president is the father of the nation, and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do what is necessary to ensure peace and stability,” he added.
Wike expressed optimism that the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara would act in good faith to uphold the agreement reached during the peace talks.
“The House of Assembly will do what they are supposed to do, and I am confident that the governor will also carry out the acts required of him to ensure that this peace is sustainable,” he said.
According to Wike, the overriding priority must now be stability and development in Rivers State, rather than prolonged political confrontation.
“The most important thing is for Rivers State to move forward, and we are grateful to Mr President for his tireless commitment to ensuring that we reach this understanding,” he stated.
The political crisis in the state escalated after the Rivers State House of Assembly, perceived to be loyal to Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
In a bid to resolve the impasse, President Tinubu on Monday summoned Wike and Fubara to the Presidential Villa, where he personally mediated between the contending parties.
