Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, recently affirmed a state of peace with his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, following a significant closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Governor Fubara’s visit, marking his first official engagement at the State House since his reinstatement, came after a six-month emergency rule had been declared in Rivers State. This emergency rule, which led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly, and the appointment of a sole administrator, was initiated by President Tinubu via a national broadcast on March 18.

Addressing journalists after his meeting with President Tinubu, Governor Fubara clarified that the primary purpose of his visit was to extend gratitude to the President and officially confirm his resumption of gubernatorial duties. He stated, “You’re aware the suspension was lifted on the 17th, and I came in on the 19th. Ideally, it was proper for me to see Mr. President to inform him that I’m back and have resumed my responsibilities as Governor of Rivers State.” He characterized the discussion as a “father-son discussion,” emphasizing his appreciation and his quest for the President’s guidance to prevent future crises.

When questioned about his relationship with Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara firmly declared that peace had been established, rejecting any notion of a mere ‘paper peace.’ He asserted, “As far as I’m concerned, we have made peace. Fubara and his principal are working together.” This declaration was reinforced by Fubara’s earlier public statements where he expressed profound appreciation for President Tinubu’s “fatherly intervention,” which he credited with restoring full democratic governance to Rivers State. He noted that his decision not to contest the presidential declaration of emergency was rooted in his conviction that no sacrifice was too great for the peace of Rivers State, acknowledging the “hard lessons learnt, during the emergency rule.”

Hours after returning to Rivers State on Friday, September 19, 2025, Fubara made a statewide broadcast, pledging to collaborate harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly. His aim is to recover lost ground and accelerate the social and economic development of the state, describing the period of emergency as one of the most challenging for the region. He underscored the critical responsibility of leaders to set aside personal interests in pursuit of the common good. Additionally, he acknowledged the instrumental roles played by his political leader, former Governor Nyesom Wike, alongside the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other key stakeholders in maintaining peace within the state.