Tinubu Lauds Wike's Infrastructure Work, Fubara's Reconciliation Efforts in Rivers

President Bola Tinubu recently extended commendations to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, acknowledging his significant contributions to infrastructure development. Simultaneously, the President lauded Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his willingness to embrace reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring peace within the state.

Speaking on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaign rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, President Tinubu assured Governor Fubara that his decision to pursue peace would yield no regrets. He specifically highlighted Fubara's maturity and respect for the counsel of elders during the political upheaval that previously gripped Rivers State.

Addressing the state's chief executive directly, President Tinubu stated, “Siminalayi Fubara, Your Excellency, the host governor of today, I want to thank you specifically for your maturity, understanding, respect for the wisdom of elders. When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed Democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive.”

The President also characterized Minister Wike as a crucial development collaborator for his administration. He praised Wike’s dedication and impact on infrastructure projects nationwide. “Particularly, Nyesom Wike. Nyesom Wike is already a development partner of the Bola Tinubu administration. He’s doing a wonderful job. Committed, very, very hard-working, a man with a vision who combined that with a mission. I help you thank him for me, for his contribution to the infrastructural development of our country,” President Tinubu remarked.

Furthermore, Tinubu expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for upholding peace and stability throughout what he termed a "misunderstanding within the political family." He added, “I want to thank you also again for maintaining peace and stability during the seeming crisis created by misunderstanding in the family. To me, I intervened on your behalf.”

The political rift between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike first emerged in October 2023, mere months after Fubara took over from Wike as the governor of Rivers State. This disagreement revolved around the struggle for control over the state’s political machinery and influence within the Rivers State House of Assembly. The dispute escalated, leading to an attempt to impeach Fubara, a split among legislators, and numerous legal challenges.

Despite multiple interventions by President Tinubu, the crisis lingered until March 18, 2025, when the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, temporarily suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly. This emergency rule was eventually lifted in September 2025, allowing the governor and lawmakers to resume their official duties.

A significant move towards reconciliation occurred in 2026, with Governor Fubara publicly confirming his return to his political fold and acknowledging Wike as the leader of the Rainbow Coalition. During the unveiling of the coalition's candidates in Port Harcourt on October 27, Fubara urged his supporters to accept Wike’s leadership, emphasizing their unified political allegiance. The Rainbow Coalition, under Wike's guidance, is a multi-party alliance committed to supporting President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.

At the rally on Saturday, Governor Fubara committed that Rivers State would contribute a minimum of three million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, operating under Minister Wike’s leadership. This pledge underscores the state's backing for the President and the coalition's broader political objectives leading up to the 2027 elections.