The political landscape in Rivers State has witnessed a significant escalation, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, publicly accusing certain political leaders of deliberately misleading the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This development threatens to unravel the peace agreement previously brokered by President Bola Tinubu.
Wike's Accusation of Deliberate Misinformation
Speaking during a visit to Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area on Monday, the former Rivers governor did not mince words. He asserted that some unnamed figures were spreading falsehoods about the terms of the presidential peace accord. Wike described this alleged campaign of "deliberate misinformation" as not only irresponsible but also a potent threat capable of destabilizing the entire South-South state.
"People think they can just say anything in politics and it will not matter. It matters. If it did not matter yesterday, it will matter today, and if not today, it will matter tomorrow," Wike cautioned, highlighting the long-term consequences of such actions.
The Imperative of Honouring Signed Agreements
At the core of Wike's address was a firm insistence on the sanctity of the signed peace deal. He revealed that the agreement, which emerged from the period of emergency rule in 2025, was collectively endorsed. Key stakeholders, including a former governor, Peter Odili, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, freely appended their signatures.
Wike alleged that Governor Fubara had subsequently reneged on this agreement, a move he suggested was fueled by the bad advice of the unnamed leaders. He stressed that Rivers State, as a major political force, requires truth and honour from its leaders to maintain peace and stability.
Background of the Recurring Political Feud
The current friction is the latest chapter in a protracted political crisis between the erstwhile allies. The situation had grown so severe that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, leading to a six-month suspension of Governor Fubara and all elected officials. The emergency rule was lifted in September 2025.
Following this, the President brokered a second peace deal in June 2025 between Wike, Fubara, and their supporters. However, the recent accusations indicate that this truce is under severe strain. Wike, however, maintained that his political stance is principle-driven, not based on party loyalty or personal interest. He also commended President Tinubu for what he termed unprecedented federal appointments for Rivers indigenes.
Amidst the turmoil, Wike has previously set a condition for reconciliation, expressing a willingness to forgive Governor Fubara if the latter approaches him with sincerity. As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the resolution of this rift will be crucial for the political future of one of Nigeria's most strategic states.
