Tinubu Praises Wike, Commends Fubara for Embracing Reconciliation

President Bola Tinubu has commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for embracing reconciliation to restore peace in the state, while praising Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his contributions to infrastructure development.

Tinubu gave the commendation on Saturday during the Rainbow Coalition presidential campaign rally at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The President described Fubara’s decision to embrace peace as a demonstration of maturity, democratic commitment and respect for the wisdom of elders.

Addressing the governor, Tinubu said, “I want to thank you specifically for your maturity, understanding, respect for the wisdom of elders.”

He added that Fubara would not regret his decision to support reconciliation, noting that the governor respected his intervention during the political crisis.

“Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive,” Tinubu declared.

The President also applauded Wike, describing him as a development partner of his administration and commending his commitment to infrastructure development across the country.

“Nyesom Wike is already a development partner of the Bola Tinubu administration. He’s doing a wonderful job,” he said.

Tinubu further described the FCT minister as a hardworking visionary, urging Nigerians to appreciate his contributions to national development.

The President also thanked Fubara for maintaining peace and stability during the prolonged political disagreement in Rivers State, which he characterised as a misunderstanding within the political family.

The crisis between Fubara and Wike began in October 2023, following disagreements over political control and the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The dispute triggered impeachment moves against Fubara, divisions among lawmakers and several legal battles, prompting repeated interventions by Tinubu.

On March 18, 2025, the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly.

The emergency rule was lifted in September 2025, paving the way for the return of elected officials.

In 2026, the two political camps began reconciliation efforts, with Fubara publicly acknowledging Wike’s leadership within the Rainbow Coalition.

At the unveiling of the coalition’s candidates in Port Harcourt on October 27, Fubara urged his supporters to recognise Wike’s leadership, declaring that they had returned to the same political camp.

The Rainbow Coalition, led by Wike, comprises politicians from different political parties united in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

At Saturday’s rally, Fubara pledged that Rivers State would deliver at least three million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying the commitment reflected the state’s support for the President and the coalition’s political objectives.

The governor said the target would be pursued under Wike’s leadership ahead of the next general election.