ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed a fresh peace meeting involving President Bola Tinubu and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as efforts continue to end the political crisis in the state.
Wike disclosed that the meeting, held on Monday, February 9, was convened at the instance of President Tinubu following the prolonged rift between him and Governor Fubara, as well as tensions involving the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to the former Rivers governor, the President personally initiated the engagement as part of renewed moves to broker reconciliation between the governor and the lawmakers.
He commended Tinubu for stepping in once again and expressed hope that the intervention would finally resolve the lingering dispute.
“This is the second time the President is intervening in this matter, and by the grace of God, I believe this will be the last,” Wike said while speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja.
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The minister said he had already advised members of the Rivers Assembly to comply with the President’s directives in the interest of peace and stability.
“I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr President, and I am confident they will not hesitate,” he said.
Wike also expressed confidence that governor Fubara would play his part in ensuring an end to the political standoff.
“I equally believe the governor will carry out his own responsibility so that this will be the final time the people of Rivers State will hear about this kind of discord,” he added.
The confirmation comes amid reports that Wike and governor Fubara proceeded to Wike’s Abuja lodge after the meeting at the Presidential Villa, fuelling speculation about behind-the-scenes reconciliation talks.
The Rivers political crisis, which has pitted the governor against sections of the state legislature, has continued to attract national attention, prompting repeated interventions from the Presidency.