By Philip Yatai
Port Harcourt, Dec. 31, 2025
The simmering political crisis in Rivers State has taken a dramatic new turn, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announcing his intention to publicly disclose the confidential terms of a peace agreement brokered between him and the state’s Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. This move threatens to reignite tensions in one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile and economically crucial states.
Wike made the declaration on Wednesday during what was framed as a “thank-you visit” to the Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. The visit, however, quickly transformed into a political rally, underscoring the deep divisions that have persisted since President Bola Tinubu intervened in June 2025 to mediate the feud between his political ally, Wike, and the sitting governor.
The Broken Pact and Impending Revelation
Accusing Governor Fubara of reneging on the agreed terms, Wike stated, “Very soon, we will let people know what we agreed on before Mr President.” This threat to “go public” is a significant escalation. Political peace deals in Nigeria, especially those brokered at the presidential level, are typically kept confidential to allow all parties to save face. By threatening to reveal the details, Wike is not only challenging Fubara but also testing the boundaries of the President’s authority as a mediator.
The original crisis stemmed from a battle for control of the state’s political machinery and resources. Fubara, Wike’s successor and former protégé, had moved to assert his independence, leading to a series of clashes including an impeachment attempt on the governor and the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex. The peace deal was widely believed to involve concessions from Fubara, potentially including the reinstatement of pro-Wike commissioners and a halt to investigations into the previous administration.
Beyond Personalities: The Stakes for Rivers State
Wike’s rhetoric during the visit framed the conflict in moral terms, cautioning the people of Tai against associating with “individuals who fail to keep their promises.” He emphasized that “the will of the people would prevail” over money in the 2027 elections, a clear signal that the political war is far from over and will be fought on the electoral battlefield.
This ongoing instability has profound implications beyond political theater. Rivers State is the heart of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Prolonged political uncertainty can disrupt governance, affect security, and deter investment in a sector critical to the national economy. The crisis also exposes the fragility of political succession plans within Nigeria’s dominant parties, where godfather-godson relationships often break down acrimoniously.
The Visit as a Political Strategy
While Wike insisted his visit was apolitical—merely to thank the people for their support in the 2023 elections—the subsequent speeches by local leaders revealed its true nature as a consolidation of power. Senator Barry Npigi and Tai Local Government Chairman Mbakpone Okpe detailed the “dividends” of loyalty, including a federal university sited in Tai, appointments, and infrastructure. This patronage narrative was explicitly linked to future support, with Okpe pledging to “roll out all our votes for Tinubu and whoever you support” in the next election.
What Comes Next?
Wike’s promised revelation places President Tinubu in a delicate position. It challenges the efficacy of his mediation and could force the presidency to take a more direct, and potentially partisan, role in the state’s affairs. For Governor Fubara, the threat increases pressure to either fully capitulate to the terms of the agreement or prepare for an all-out political war, with the machinery of the federal government potentially aligned against him.
The people of Rivers State are left in the middle, their state’s development and security held hostage by a high-stakes power struggle. Wike’s move to “reveal all” ensures that this crisis will remain in the national spotlight, setting the stage for a contentious and unpredictable political year in 2026 as the 2027 elections loom.
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
Source: NAN News
