On June 3, 2025, tensions resurfaced between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as both offered conflicting perspectives on efforts toward reconciliation in the state’s prolonged political crisis.
Fubara, addressing his supporters under the Simplified Movement, claimed that reconciliation between the executive and legislative branches was progressing well. He expressed optimism about restoring democracy and governance in Rivers State, thanking President Bola Tinubu for intervening at a critical time. …CONTINUE READING
Fubara emphasized his willingness to reconcile with Wike—whom he respectfully referred to as his “oga”—and assured his audience that peace talks were ongoing. He stated, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
However, Wike countered these claims during a media interview, describing Fubara’s remarks as mere media theatrics. According to Wike, Fubara has shown no real commitment to peace. This skepticism was echoed by former Emohua Local Government Chairman Dr. Chidi Lloyd, who accused Fubara of being disingenuous. Lloyd alleged that Fubara was not making genuine efforts to mend relationships with key political stakeholders, particularly the House of Assembly and former local council chairmen whom he had previously dismissed.
According to news reporter by Vanguard, Lloyd further criticized Fubara for not personally meeting with Wike in the past two months despite claiming they had reconciled. He insisted that true reconciliation would require direct engagement with aggrieved lawmakers and party leaders. He suggested Fubara admit past mistakes, particularly the withholding of lawmakers’ salaries, which had caused significant personal hardships.
Lloyd also questioned Fubara’s optimism about the lifting of the emergency rule, hinting that it may be based on misleading assurances. He noted that projected timelines for Fubara’s reinstatement, such as May 29 and now June 12, have not materialized. Citing biblical and literary references, he warned that unless the root of the conflict is addressed, any superficial resolution would fail.
The political standoff in Rivers State remains unresolved, with both camps offering conflicting narratives, casting doubt on the sincerity and viability of the reconciliation process.
