By Peter Omopo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the lingering political crisis in Rivers State is nearing a permanent resolution following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike spoke to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday after inspecting ongoing projects in the FCT, describing the President’s involvement as decisive and reassuring. He said Tinubu’s role as a unifying national leader had helped calm tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.
“I believe that by the grace of God, this will be the last time the president will be bothered with this issue, and this will be the last time the people of Rivers State will hear of this kind of discord,” Wike said.
Emphasising the authority of the President’s guidance, the former Rivers State governor described Tinubu as a father figure whose counsel must be respected. “The president is the father of the nation, and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do what is necessary to ensure peace and progress,” he added.
Wike expressed confidence that both the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara would honour the terms of the understanding reached. According to him, the lawmakers would act responsibly, while the governor would also take the necessary steps to sustain peace in the state.
“The most important thing now is for Rivers State to move forward. We are grateful to Mr President for his tireless commitment to ensuring that this matter is resolved,” he said.
The Rivers political crisis intensified after the State House of Assembly, largely seen as loyal to Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. In an effort to resolve the impasse, President Tinubu on Monday summoned Wike and the governor to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he personally mediated talks aimed at restoring stability in the state.
