FCT minister says Rivers governor’s initial move for second term violated truce that ended impeachment threats, as Fubara withdraws from primary citing peace and stability

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has alleged that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, violated a key political agreement by initially obtaining nomination forms to seek re-election.

Wike made the claim on Monday while speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja. He stated that the peace arrangement brokered to end the protracted political crisis in Rivers State included a clear understanding that Fubara would not pursue a second term.

According to the former Rivers governor, the deal was instrumental in halting impeachment moves against Fubara at the height of the power struggle that fractured the state’s political structure.

“I am not surprised that the governor withdrew. In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form, because agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped, while he should also not go about a second term,” Wike said.

He argued that Fubara’s decision to obtain the nomination form undermined ongoing reconciliation efforts and risked reigniting tensions among rival factions.

Wike further suggested that some of the governor’s actions during the crisis fell short of the spirit and intent of the agreement reached by key stakeholders and political leaders.

Despite the controversy, the minister noted that the situation had evolved, with Fubara stepping back from the race and another candidate emerging.

Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the Rivers State governorship primary, explaining that the decision followed extensive consultations and was taken in the interest of peace, unity, and stability in the state.

In a statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” the governor said he arrived at the decision after careful reflection and discussions with family members, political allies, and supporters.

The political crisis in Rivers State has remained a major source of division within the ruling structure, with the prolonged face-off between Wike and Fubara polarising loyalists and raising concerns over governance in the oil-rich state.