- Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, confirmed that there was a closed-door meeting between him, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to address the political crisis in Rivers
- Recall that President Tinubu’s intervention halted the plans by the state’s lawmakers loyal to Wike to remove Governor Fubara amid ongoing discord
- Public reactions highlighted scepticism towards Wike’s actions and lingering concerns over Rivers State’s political turmoil
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the report that President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to address the political crisis rocking the state on Monday, February 9.
Addressing journalists during the inspection of one of the projects in Abuja, the minister noted that President Tinubu has been kind to the people of Rivers, noting that the issue was just between the governor and the lawmakers, which should not be entertained, but the president has played a father’s role and addressed the crisis.
Source: Twitter
Wike recalls Tinubu’s intervention on Rivers crisis
Wike, who was the immediate past governor of Rivers, recalled that President Tinubu had intervened in the matter for the second term and expressed optimism that the president would not intervene again.
The minister’s statement reads in part:
“I remember this is the second time Mr President has entertained it. I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time that the assembly have told them to do, which I know they would not hesitate. And also believe that this is the final time we must be able to hear this kind of discord. So that’s it. That’s all. Thank you.”
Recall that Wike and his successor, Fubara, have been at loggerheads over the political structure of the state. The lawmakers, who are loyal to the former governor, have moved to sack the governor, but the intervention of President Tinubu has stopped the lawmakers.
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Nigerians react as Wike speaks on Rivers crisis
However, some Nigerians have started reacting to the video of the minister. Below are some of their reactions:
Justicadomo criticised Wike:
“Every time he comes over to Rivers State to cause problem and unrest, then he will run to Abuja to take Solace where is peaceful for him, but never will he see it.”
Source: Twitter
Onah projected an end to the Rivers crisis:
“Anything that has a beginning must have an end. One day, one day all this will end. History has many references, even those more fierce and notorious, come be this one.”
The Town Crier lamented the political crisis in Rivers:
“After subjecting Rivers State to a 6-month state of emergency, Rivers people have had enough. That is the best I can say for now.”
Dava criticised the minister:
“Now he is very humble, talking about a president he has been boxed in a corner that the president is his last hope, now your fall is coming very soon.”
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See the video of the minister as shared by his aide, Lere Olayinka, on X here:
APC chairman speaks on Wike vs Fubara
Legit.ng earlier reported that APC national chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, distances the party from Wike-Fubara conflict over political crisis in Rivers.
This came as Rivers lawmakers switched allegiance to the APC, and Fubara counters impeachment threats amidst party dynamics.
Public reactions from Nigerians highlight political tensions and strategic moves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng