Suspicion Surrounds Fragile As Wike-Fubara Reconciliation Brokered by President Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday night brokered a reconciliation between the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his political mentor turned rival, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. While some stakeholders have hailed the development as a necessary step towards restoring peace and governance in the state, others have voiced deep skepticism, labelling it a one-sided surrender rather than a true reconciliation.

The closed-door meeting at Aso Rock Presidential Villa included key players in the state’s power struggle, notably the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and several pro-Wike lawmakers. According to sources close to the presidency, the truce conditions included Fubara’s agreement not to seek re-election in 2027 and to allow Wike nominate all 23 local government chairpersons across the state—a development that critics argue strips the governor of vital executive authority.

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Truce or Surrender? Divided Reactions From Fubara’s Supporters

While Wike told journalists that the long-standing crisis had been finally resolved, emphasizing that both men were from the same political family, critics from Fubara’s camp have taken a far less enthusiastic view. They argue that the truce favours Wike overwhelmingly, effectively reducing Governor Fubara to a symbolic figurehead.

Former Rivers State Commissioner Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa rejected the truce outright, calling it a humiliating surrender. “What I see is not reconciliation. What I see is a surrender,” he told Saturday PUNCH. He further criticized the imbalance in representation at the meeting, pointing out that while Wike arrived with a full complement of loyal lawmakers and political heavyweights, Fubara was unaccompanied by any of his supporters or top aides.

Nwibubasa concluded, “This tells you the extent to which Abuja politicians have gone to cow the governor into submission.”

Similarly, the Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM) issued a scathing statement condemning the truce as a hollow and elitist political arrangement that neglects the collective interests of Rivers people. The group’s president, Zoe Tamunotonye, warned that the so-called reconciliation lacked grassroots legitimacy and would not stand the test of time. “This is not reconciliation—it is a calculated collusion that will fail again,” REM said.

Warnings of Fragility and Betrayal

Political commentator and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju added his voice to those warning that the truce could unravel quickly. “Wike has proved time and again that his word holds no weight,” Adeyanju said, referencing Wike’s past political betrayals of allies including former President Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Odili.

According to Adeyanju, the peace deal should be treated as a political trap rather than a resolution. “Governor Fubara must prepare his mind that this reconciliation is a trap… Wike will breach the agreement on purpose,” he cautioned.

Supporters of Peace Applaud Tinubu’s Intervention

Despite the outcry, others within Rivers political circles have praised the move as a step in the right direction. Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Adviser to Governor Fubara on Electronic Media, said the governor’s decision to accept the truce was driven by a desire to restore peace and revive the state’s stagnated development.

“The emergency rule and the governor’s suspension have affected the state socially and economically,” Omatsogunwa stated. He emphasized that the key focus now should be peace, urging all parties to respect the governor’s position as the elected leader of over seven million people.

Former federal lawmaker and ex-Commissioner for Information, Ogbonna Nwuke, also defended the President’s reconciliation effort. He noted that the Thursday meeting was the culmination of long-standing behind-the-scenes negotiations led by President Tinubu. According to Nwuke, “What happened was the climax of all efforts that have been made to restore understanding, build cooperation, and enhance collaboration among major actors within the Rivers polity.”

Responding to criticisms over Fubara attending alone, Nwuke said, “Those who are directly involved were the ones who should be present. There’s nothing unusual about that.”

A Tense Political Landscape Ahead

The reconciliation comes amid the backdrop of a worsening political crisis in Rivers that began shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023. Tensions escalated dramatically in October when pro-Wike lawmakers attempted to impeach the governor, sparking widespread protests and culminating in the demolition of the Assembly complex. A temporary truce in December 2023 brokered by the President failed to yield long-term peace, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency and the installation of a sole administrator in March 2025.

While Thursday’s reconciliation may offer short-term political stability, the future remains uncertain. Fubara’s apparent agreement to not seek re-election and cede key political appointments could stir further discontent among his supporters. Equally, Wike’s dominance in the arrangement risks reinforcing the perception that the political crisis was resolved through coercion rather than mutual respect.

As Rivers people and political observers await President Tinubu’s next move—particularly whether the governor’s suspension will be lifted—what is clear is that the state remains deeply divided. Whether this peace will hold or unravel once again remains to be seen.