RIVERS CRISIS: TINUBU MEETS WITH FACTION LEADERS, RECONCILIATION EFFORTS PAY OFF
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has convened a high-stakes meeting with key stakeholders from Rivers State, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule, and other lawmakers. The closed-door meeting is part of intensified efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.
According to sources, the meeting aimed to resolve the ongoing tensions in Rivers State, which have been ongoing since late 2023. After the meeting, Wike and Fubara spoke to the press, expressing optimism about the outcome. Wike said, “We give glory to God that peace has finally returned to the state. We have all agreed to work with the Governor, and the Governor also agreed to work with all of us.”
Fubara echoed Wike’s sentiments, stating, “For me, it is very important that this day has come to be. What we need for the progress of Rivers State is peace, and tonight, with the help of Mr. President and the agreement of the leaders of the state, peace has returned to Rivers State. We will do everything within our power to sustain it this time around.”
The meeting comes on the heels of significant legislative milestones, including the passage of the state’s N1.485 trillion 2025 budget and the confirmation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission board by the National Assembly, ahead of the scheduled August 9 local government elections.
There is growing anticipation that President Tinubu may soon lift the State of Emergency he declared in Rivers on March 18, signaling a return to political normalcy in the state. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the sole administrator.
The development has sparked hopes of reconciliation among the various factions in Rivers State, with an official announcement expected soon. Tinubu’s intervention has been seen as a strategic move to broker peace in the state, which has been plagued by political unrest.
