Tinubu praises Wike, supports Fubara's peace efforts

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his work on infrastructure. He also commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for accepting reconciliation efforts to bring peace to the state.

Tinubu said Fubara will not regret his choice to embrace peace. He recognized Fubara's maturity and respect for the wisdom of elders during the political crisis in Rivers State.

The President spoke on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaign rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Addressing the governor, Tinubu said, "Siminalayi Fubara, Your Excellency, the host governor of today, I want to thank you specifically for your maturity, understanding, respect for the wisdom of elders.

"When we intervened, you respected our position. You maintained peace. You are a committed Democrat. Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive."

He also called Wike a development partner in his administration. He praised Wike for his commitment and contributions to infrastructure development across Nigeria.

"Particularly, Nyesom Wike. Nyesom Wike is already a development partner of the Bola Tinubu administration. He’s doing a wonderful job.

"Committed, very, very hard-working, a man with a vision who combined that with a mission. I help you thank him for me, for his contribution to the infrastructural development of our country," the President said.

Tinubu thanked the governor for maintaining peace and stability during the crisis, which he described as a misunderstanding within the political family.

"I want to thank you also again for maintaining peace and stability during the seeming crisis created by misunderstanding in the family. To me, I intervened on your behalf," he added.

The political crisis between Fubara and Wike started in October 2023, a few months after Fubara became the governor following Wike. The disagreement focused on control of the state’s political structure and influence over the Rivers State House of Assembly. It led to an attempt to impeach Fubara, divisions among lawmakers, and multiple legal battles.

Tinubu intervened in the dispute several times, but the crisis continued until March 18, 2025, when the President declared a state of emergency in the state. This move suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly.

The emergency rule was lifted in September 2025, allowing the governor and lawmakers to resume their duties. In 2026, both sides began to reconcile. Fubara publicly declared his return to his political family and acknowledged Wike as the leader of the Rainbow Coalition.

At the unveiling of the coalition’s candidates in Port Harcourt on October 27, Fubara urged his supporters to recognize Wike’s leadership. He declared that they were now in the same political camp.

The Rainbow Coalition, led by Wike, includes politicians from various parties working together to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

During Saturday’s rally, Fubara promised that Rivers State would deliver at least three million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election under Wike’s leadership. The governor stated this was part of the state’s support for the President and the coalition’s goals ahead of the 2027 elections.