Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday declared that calm has finally been restored to Rivers State and said he is under no obligation to explain the details of the reconciliation reached with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
His statement came amid fresh calls from the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum for President Bola Tinubu to end what they described as an unofficial state of emergency in the state and to ensure the complete reinstatement of democratic institutions.
During a media chat monitored in Abuja, Wike accused some individuals of exploiting the political unrest in Rivers for their personal benefit, likening their actions to profiteering from a private “oil well.” He noted that those benefiting from the crisis are now displeased that peace has been restored.
“Certain people were enriching themselves from the turmoil. Now that normalcy has returned, they are unhappy. I don’t owe anyone a justification. What matters is that the state is progressing,” he said.
Wike emphasized that the reconciliation with Governor Fubara was driven by the need to safeguard the peace and progress of Rivers State and affirmed his continued commitment to ensuring stability in the region.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum expressed support for the peace accord between the former political allies, urging President Tinubu to finalize the reconciliation by ending what they consider a state of emergency in the state and by reinstating all suspended democratic structures without delay.
In a statement signed by the Forum’s acting chairman and former Deputy Governor, Dr. Gabriel Toby, the group praised both Wike and Fubara for demonstrating statesmanship and restraint, even though their initial calls for dialogue were ignored.
The Forum noted that the prolonged power struggle centering on Wike, Fubara, and the State House of Assembly had severely damaged the state’s unity and image.
“We witnessed the pain and polarization caused by the crisis. Now that peace efforts are underway, we call on the President to restore full democratic governance and uphold the people’s mandate,” the statement read.
Although the exact terms of the peace agreement remain undisclosed, the Forum expressed hope that the settlement respects the 1999 Constitution and adheres to the principles of lawful governance.
“Our only concern is the collective welfare of Rivers people. We are not pursuing personal or political rewards. We seek a united Rivers where elected leaders can work together for the people’s benefit,” they added.
The Forum encouraged all parties involved to treat the reconciliation as a fresh beginning marked by mutual respect, collaboration, and shared commitment to the state’s development.
“Let Rivers rise again with dignity and purpose. Our true strength lies in our unity, common heritage, and shared future,” the statement concluded.
