‘Acrimony is over… we’ll work together’ — Wike speaks on peace meeting with Fubara

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says he harbours no ill feeling any longer towards Siminalayi Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers. 

Wike spoke on Thursday at the presidential villa after a peace meeting hosted by President Bola Tinubu.

Fubara and some members of the Rivers house of assembly attended the closed-door meeting.

“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us,” Wike said.

“We are members of the same political family.

“Yes, just like humans, you have a disagreement, and then you also have time to also settle your disagreement and that has been finally concluded today.

“We have come to report to Mr. President, that is what we have agreed. So for me, everything is over.

“There’s no more acrimony.”

In his remarks, Fubara said an agreement has been reached with leaders of the state.

“What we need for the progress of Rivers state is peace and by the special grace of God, this night, with the help of the president and the agreement with leaders of the state, peace has returned,” the suspended governor said.

“We’ll do everything within our power to make sure that we sustain it this time around.”

Wike and Fubara have been embroiled in a conflict over control of the political structure of the state.

The feud polarised the Rivers house of assembly and led to a raft of litigations.

On March 18, Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers over the crisis.

The president also suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president immediately appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator. The president’s action was roundly criticised by opposition leaders and members of the public.

A suit challenging the legality of the emergency rule is still before the apex court.