The political discord between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has intensified, with Wike attributing the collapse of their peace agreement to Fubara’s actions.

The dispute, primarily over political dominance in Rivers State, had led to a division in the state assembly. In December 2023, President Bola Tinubu intervened to mediate a resolution, but the agreement ultimately fell apart.

Speaking at a civic reception in his honor in Rivers State, Wike accused Fubara of breaching the terms of the deal and being unreliable. According to a statement released on Sunday by his spokesperson, Anthony Ogunleye, Wike made this remark.

“Mr President invited all of us for peace. After that day, we, the leaders sat. We told the assembly to drop that impeachment notice, since Mr President has intervened for peace.

“Instead of them (Fubara administration) to do their own part, they instigated so many court actions, using it as an excuse to scuttle the peace deal,” Wike said.

“When the president intervened, they went to court challenging the President that he assumed power that is not constitutional,” the minister added.
Without mentioning names, he chided Fubara and his supporters for allegedly seeking the president’s intervention again after reportedly resisting the peace deal which he (Tinubu) initially brokered.

“You must be consistent with your actions,” he stated.

Wike further blamed Fubara’s close associates for fueling the conflict, claiming they provided poor advice and aligned the governor with political adversaries. He also criticized the alleged withholding of assembly members’ allowances, calling it unfair.

Regarding the latest impeachment proceedings against Fubara, Wike stated he would not interfere, emphasizing that lawmakers should be allowed to carry out their constitutional duties. He dismissed threats surrounding the impeachment process, asserting that such actions only worsen the situation.

“The assembly should be allowed to perform their constitutional duties. People who love peace don’t threaten people.

“The more you threaten, the more you worsen the situation. Assembly people should do their work. Whatever they deem necessary that is constitutional, they should do,” he said.

As tensions escalate, the fate of Fubara’s administration remains uncertain, with the state assembly pressing forward with allegations of gross misconduct.