Wike: Fubara’s withdrawal aligns with Rivers peace agreement
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the decision by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race is consistent with earlier peace arrangements aimed at stabilising the state.
Wike made the remarks while briefing journalists after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja.
He said the development was not unexpected, insisting it reflected understandings reached during reconciliation efforts involving key political actors in Rivers State.
“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew… agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.
Fubara had recently stepped down from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries, saying the move followed consultations and was taken in the interest of peace, unity and stability in Rivers State.
In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries”, the governor said the decision followed careful reflection and discussions with family, allies and associates.
Wike argued that Fubara’s earlier participation in the primaries ran contrary to the spirit of the agreement, describing it as an action that complicated reconciliation efforts.
He also maintained that repeated interventions, including those facilitated by President Bola Tinubu, were aimed at restoring lasting peace in the state.
According to Wike, the understanding between parties included dropping impeachment threats against the governor on the condition that he would not seek a second term.
“But whatever it is, he has withdrawn, and somebody has emerged,” he added.
The FCT Minister also expressed support for the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, describing him as a capable and experienced lawmaker.
“A good product markets itself. Everybody knows that Kingsley Chinda is the material. He’s quite experienced,” Wike said.
He further suggested that Chinda’s experience across the executive and legislative arms of government positioned him for leadership.
Meanwhile, stakeholders under the umbrella of Rivers Professionals welcomed Chinda’s emergence, describing it as a positive step toward credible and inclusive governance.
In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Nimi Solomon, the group said Chinda’s profile cut across ethnic and professional lines and reflected competence and integrity.
The Rivers political crisis stems from a prolonged power struggle between Wike and his successor, Fubara, which began shortly after the latter assumed office in May 2023.
The disagreement escalated into a political and institutional standoff involving factional divisions in the Rivers State House of Assembly, impeachment threats, legal disputes, and multiple reconciliation attempts.
Efforts at resolution have included interventions at both state and federal levels, aimed at restoring stability and preventing further escalation of tensions in the state.
Source: Punch
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