Politics
WIKE SAYS PRESIDENTIAL MEDIATION WILL RESTORE PEACE IN RIVERS STATE
Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the political crisis in Rivers State would bring a final resolution to the dispute between the state government and lawmakers.
Wike confirmed that Tinubu recently met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other key political stakeholders as part of efforts to resolve the prolonged standoff between the governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection of infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike described the president’s role as timely and conciliatory, saying Tinubu acted as a mediator to restore calm in the oil-producing state.
“The president has been very kind to the people of Rivers State,” Wike said. “When there is a problem between the legislators and the governor, as a father, he has a responsibility to intervene.”
Wike noted that this was the second time Tinubu had stepped in to address the crisis and expressed confidence that the latest intervention would be decisive.
“I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor said he had instructed members of the state assembly aligned with him to comply fully with the president’s directives, adding that he expected Governor Fubara to also uphold his part of the agreement reached during the mediation.
“I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, and I know they will not hesitate to do so,” Wike said. “I also believe the governor will play his part to ensure lasting peace.”
Rivers State has been gripped by political tension for months following a power struggle between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike, raising concerns over governance stability in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.
A group of women from Ohafia Local Government Area on Tuesday staged a protest in Umuahia, voicing strong dissatisfaction with the representation of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
The protesters, who described themselves as constituents of the Abia North Senatorial District, marched through parts of the state capital carrying placards and chanting slogans against the former Abia State governor.
In a now-viral video circulating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the women accused the senator of neglecting their communities and denying them the “dividends of democracy.” Some protesters alleged that elections in the district had been manipulated, claiming they were not fairly represented.
During the demonstration, the women openly expressed frustration over what they described as years of underdevelopment and unmet promises. In emotional chants, some protesters used strong language to convey their anger, reflecting the depth of their grievances.
The protest reportedly drew attention from passersby and security operatives, though no violence was recorded at the time of filing this report.
As of press time, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has not publicly responded to the allegations raised by the protesters.
Political observers say the demonstration highlights growing tensions within parts of Abia North, as constituents increasingly demand accountability and visible development from elected officials.
Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
The Labour Party (LP) has praised the Nigerian Police for swiftly arresting suspects linked to an attempted break-in at its national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday night.
In a statement issued Wednesday by Ken Asogwa, Special Adviser on Media to the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party said those arrested were already providing useful information to investigators that could help identify the sponsors of the attack.
Asogwa said the party appreciated supporters nationwide for their vigilance, adding that normalcy had been restored at the secretariat following the timely intervention of law enforcement.
He warned certain members, particularly elements of the former leadership allegedly involved in the incident, that the party would no longer tolerate acts of internal sabotage.
“The judgment of the Nigerian court is clear and unambiguous regarding the current leadership of the Party,” he said, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recognised Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.
He stressed that Nigeria is governed by law and cautioned individuals creating confusion in the party’s name to desist immediately.
The party also urged security agencies to track down others using the Labour Party’s name to defraud members of the public, describing such individuals as impostors who would no longer be tolerated regardless of their status.
The development follows the formal takeover of the party’s national secretariat in Utako, Abuja, on Tuesday by the Usman-led Interim National Working Committee.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has publicly referred to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as his “oga” and boss, signaling a further thaw in their previously strained political relationship.
Speaking on Tuesday during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in the state, Governor Fubara praised the vision of his predecessor while assuring residents that key infrastructure would be delivered by October.
“From your own observation, not just mine alone, they’ve achieved a lot and in the course of our discussion they are still assuring us that by October this year they will deliver the project,” Fubara said.
He emphasised his personal commitment to completing projects initiated under Wike’s tenure. “So in my assessment what they need is the fund and from my own end is the push. I strongly believe that this promise that we made to our people will deliver in October, God willing.
“For me, this project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my oga, honourable minister. He had a very big vision. He believed that if I achieve this project at record time then the rest of the people will be happy with me. So I also, notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is also my wish and my struggle to ensure that that wish comes to be.”
The governor’s comments come shortly after Wike confirmed that the rift between him and his successor had been resolved. The FCT Minister credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with playing a pivotal role in restoring harmony.
“The president is the father of the nation, and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do the needful to ensure peace and progress,” Wike said.
He added that the resolution was critical for the stability of the state. “The most important thing is for Rivers State to move forward, and we are grateful to Mr President for his tireless commitment to ensuring that we reach this understanding.”