Title: Rivers Political Crisis: From Power Struggle to Peace Prospects Date Published: 10 February 2026 Description: ...as Wike, Fubara signal reconciliation amidst Tinubu\'s intervention By all indications, the long-running political crisis in Rivers State may finally be approaching a decisive turning point. Two key developments within the same week — President Bola Tinubu’s renewed intervention in the feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and the governor’s public reaffirmation of loyalty to Wike’s developmental vision — have combined to signal a thaw in a conflict that has paralysed governance and threatened democratic stability in the state.For months, Rivers State has been locked in a bitter power struggle between the executive arm led by Governor Fubara and a State House of Assembly largely perceived as loyal to Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The dispute escalated to the point where impeachment proceedings were initiated against the governor, heightening political tension and raising concerns over institutional breakdown and economic uncertainty in one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.Tinubu steps in againThe first major shift came on Monday when President Bola Tinubu summoned both Wike and Fubara to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, described by insiders as frank and far-reaching, was aimed at arresting the deepening crisis and restoring functional governance in Rivers State.Barely 24 hours later, Wike emerged from a project inspection tour in Abuja with a tone markedly different from his earlier combative posture. Speaking to journalists, the former Rivers governor struck a conciliatory note, expressing strong confidence that Tinubu’s intervention would finally close the chapter on the crisis.“I believe, by the grace of God, that this will be the last time the president will be disturbed with this issue and the last time the people of Rivers State will hear about this kind of disagreement,” Wike declared.Framing the president as a moral authority above partisan divides, Wike emphasised that Tinubu’s words must carry weight. “The president is the father of the nation, and when a father speaks, his children must listen and do what is necessary to ensure peace and progress,” he said.Crucially, Wike also signalled expectations from both sides of the divide. He expressed confidence that the Rivers State House of Assembly would “do what they are supposed to do,” while the governor, he said, would also take “the acts required of him” to sustain peace. For many observers, this was the clearest indication yet that the impeachment process should no longer continue.Fubara’s conciliatory message on the groundIf Wike’s comments represented the political signal from Abuja, Governor Fubara’s actions on the ground in Port Harcourt reinforced the message of reconciliation.On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the governor embarked on an inspection of the 50.15-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road project — one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the state. The timing was significant: it came shortly after Tinubu’s mediation and amid heightened public expectation of a de-escalation in hostilities.During the inspection, Fubara openly credited Wike as the visionary behind the project, referring to him repeatedly as his “Oga” and praising his ambition for Rivers State. In the charged political atmosphere of recent months, such language was widely interpreted as a deliberate olive branch.“For me, this project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the Honourable Minister. He had a very big ambition and believed that if this project is delivered on record time, Rivers people will be happy with my administration,” the governor said.Beyond rhetoric, Fubara pledged continuity and delivery, assuring that the Ring Road would be completed by October 2026. He stressed that political disagreements would not derail the execution of projects initiated under previous administrations.“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is my wish and responsibility to see that this vision is fulfilled,” he stated.Development as common groundThe Ring Road project has increasingly become a symbol of what unites rather than divides the contending political camps. Flagged off in July 2023, the project spans over 50 kilometres, includes five flyovers and a river-crossing bridge, and cuts across more than six local government areas. It is designed to ease congestion in Port Harcourt and stimulate economic activity across the state.Fubara’s inspection tour — which ran from Refinery Junction in Eleme through Iriebe and parts of Obio/Akpor to the river-crossing bridge — underscored a return to governance focused on service delivery. According to the governor, contractors have assured the state of an October completion timeline, provided funding and administrative support remain steady.For political analysts, this shared emphasis on development offers a pathway out of the crisis. “Once both sides anchor their legitimacy on performance rather than power control, the conflict loses oxygen,” a Port Harcourt-based analyst noted.The next critical stepsWith presidential mediation concluded and conciliatory signals exchanged, attention has now shifted to what must follow to consolidate peace. Top on the list is the immediate stoppage of impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. Many see this as the ultimate litmus test of whether the crisis has truly been resolved or merely paused.Equally important is the reconvening of the Rivers State House of Assembly in a spirit of cooperation. Lawmakers are expected to resume legislative business, including the presentation, consideration and passage of the 2026 budget proposals. Without a functioning legislature and an approved budget, governance risks grinding to a halt despite the political truce.Stakeholders argue that passing the 2026 budget would send a powerful signal to investors, civil servants and citizens that Rivers State has returned to stability. It would also demonstrate that the legislature and executive are prepared to work together in line with Tinubu’s directive.A fragile but hopeful calmWhile caution remains — given the history of failed reconciliations in Rivers politics — the convergence of Tinubu’s authority, Wike’s public assurances and Fubara’s conciliatory posture has created a rare moment of optimism.For the people of Rivers State, weary of political drama and eager for dividends of democracy, the hope is that this time, peace will translate into policy, development and accountable governance. Whether that hope is realised now depends less on speeches and inspections, and more on concrete actions: halting impeachment, reopening the Assembly, and governing with a shared sense of purpose. Attached Images: 703899c1cc71b4c97fe48f278e9ff0a1d76f21fafd2501b5113dd39e883f3708.jpg Attached Video: None