By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong optimism that the protracted political crisis rocking Rivers State is on the verge of being resolved finally.
Wike anchored his optimism on what he described as a decisive intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ex – governor spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday after inspecting several ongoing projects in the FCT.
The Daily Crucible reports There appears that President Bola Tinubu on Monday night met with Wike and Governor Fubara, and some leaders from Rivers State in Aso Rock.
Governor Fubara followed his political godfather to his house in Guzape, area of Abuja, after the meeting, a development some said was reassuring and an indication that the two had resolved to end their feud.
However, speaking on Tuesday in Abuja, Wike emphasized Tinubu’s role as a unifying national figure, stressing that the President’s leadership was central to easing tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.
He said, “I believe that by the grace of God, this will be the last time the president will be bothered with this issue and that this will be the last time the Rivers people will need to hear this kind of discord.”
Underscoring the weight of presidential intervention, Wike described Tinubu’s counsel as authoritative and binding on all parties involved.
He said, “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.”
Addressing expectations arising from the truce, Wike expressed confidence that both the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara would act responsibly in line with the agreement reached.
He said, “The House of Assembly will do what they are supposed to do, and I am confident that the governor will also carry out the acts required of him to ensure this peace is sustainable.”
Wike further noted that stability and progress in Rivers State must now take precedence over political disagreements.
He added, “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.”
The crisis intensified after the Rivers State House of Assembly, widely viewed as loyal to Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In an effort to broker peace, President Tinubu on Monday summoned Wike and Fubara to the Presidential Villa, where he personally mediated in the dispute.
