The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed reports of a high-level meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and other key stakeholders over the lingering political crisis in the state, expressing optimism that the intervention will finally resolve the dispute.
Wike spoke to journalists on Tuesday during a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital. According to him, the President’s involvement was decisive in calming tensions between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Fubara.
He described President Tinubu’s role as that of a “father,” noting that the President acted out of concern for peace and stability in Rivers State. Wike praised Tinubu’s disposition toward the state and said he was confident the latest mediation would be the last.
“All I can tell you is that Mr. President has been very kind to the people of the state,” Wike said. “If there seems to be a problem between the legislator and the governor, and as a father, he really has to intervene.
“I remember this is the second time Mr. President is intervening. I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time.
“I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time. I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate to do. I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord,” he added.
The FCT Minister disclosed that he had already instructed members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to comply fully with the President’s directives, expressing confidence that they would do so without delay. He also said he expected Governor Fubara to fulfill his own commitments under the understanding reached, so that residents of the state would “begin to hear this kind of discord no more”.
Beyond political matters, Wike used the opportunity to review several ongoing infrastructure projects within Abuja. He said the inspections were part of his commitment to ensuring that contractors meet both quality standards and delivery timelines.
One of the major stops during the inspection was the Arterial Road N5 at Life Camp, also known as Obafemi Awolowo Way, stretching from the Life Camp junction to Ring Road 3. Wike announced that the road project had been completed.
“We were at Life Camp, N5, and it’s completely finished,” he said. “You were there when Julius Berger said in three weeks’ time, they would have finished.
“What they are working on now is the walkways; the streetlights are already there,” he added.
He stressed that the regular project inspections would continue, describing them as essential to enforcing accountability among contractors. The N5 road project, executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is currently receiving final finishing touches.
The road, which links the Life Camp junction to the Old Keffi Road axis at Dei-Dei, is among several key infrastructure projects scheduled for inauguration as part of activities marking the Federal Capital Territory’s 50th anniversary in 2026.
What you should know
The political crisis in Rivers State has revolved around tensions between the governor and the State House of Assembly, prompting repeated interventions from national leaders.
President Tinubu’s involvement underscores the federal government’s concern about political stability in a strategically important state. Nyesom Wike, a former Rivers governor, remains a central figure in the crisis and has positioned himself as a bridge between the parties.
His confidence that this intervention will be the last reflects hopes that both the legislature and the governor will now comply with agreed terms and restore calm ahead of future political contests.
