Wike-Fubara Feud: Supporters Clash Over Peace Deal

By Gist Reports | June 28, 2025

Supporters of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, are divided over his recent reconciliation with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara\'s political mentor.

The truce, brokered on Thursday by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was meant to resolve a longstanding feud between both men. Present at the closed-door meeting were Wike, Fubara, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers.

Key Conditions of the Deal

Presidency sources revealed that Governor Fubara agreed not to seek re-election in 2027 and also accepted Wike’s influence over the appointment of local government chairpersons across the state’s 23 LGAs.

“Fubara agreed to complete his term peacefully and step aside after 2027,” said a source familiar with the agreement. “But many believe he got the shorter end of the stick.”

Wike, after the meeting, confirmed that the feud had been resolved and both parties agreed to “work in unity.”

“We are members of the same political family,” Wike said. “Just like humans, you have disagreements and later reconcile. That has been concluded today.”

Governor Fubara also confirmed the agreement, calling it a moment of “divine intervention” and a turning point for the state. He pledged to uphold the unity reached in the peace deal.

Background: A Power Struggle

The rift began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. By October, tensions escalated when Assembly members loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings. Fubara responded by demolishing the Assembly building and relocating legislative sessions.

The crisis deepened until December 2023, when President Tinubu’s initial intervention resulted in a fragile truce. However, that arrangement collapsed, prompting Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March 2025. The President suspended Fubara’s executive powers and appointed former Naval Chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as sole administrator for six months.

Mixed Reactions to the Peace Deal

Criticism and Allegations of Surrender

Several Fubara supporters view the reconciliation as a surrender, not a resolution.

“This wasn’t reconciliation. It was surrender,” said Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former Rivers Commissioner. “Fubara went alone without his core supporters. Wike came with a full political team.”

He argued that the imbalance in representation showed that Fubara had been coerced into accepting terms unfavorable to him.

The Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM) also rejected the deal, calling it a betrayal of the people\'s trust.

“This reconciliation prioritizes selfish interests over the aspirations of Rivers people,” said REM President Zoe Tamunotonye. “It is a hollow, self-serving arrangement destined to fail.”

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju labeled the truce a “trap,” warning Fubara not to trust Wike due to his history of broken political promises.

Supporters Welcome the Truce

On the other hand, some welcomed the peace deal.

Jerry Omatsogunwa, Fubara’s media adviser, said the governor’s suspension and emergency rule had negatively affected Rivers socially and economically.

“What we need now is peace and development,” he said. “The gladiators have agreed to sheath their swords. That’s what matters.”

Ogbonna Nwuke, a former House of Representatives member, said the meeting marked the climax of Tinubu’s months-long reconciliation effort.

“The President has been behind this from day one. The fact that Fubara didn’t go with a crowd doesn’t matter; what matters is that all parties directly involved reached a resolution.”

He added that the lifting of the governor’s suspension and the end of emergency rule now rest in the hands of President Tinubu.