How Fubara-Wike Rift Was Settled: Sara-Igbe Breaks Silence on Why Fubara Refused to Fight

The long-running political feud between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, now Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has continued to shape the political climate of the state; What began as a power struggle over control of governance structures gradually escalated into open confrontation, but a series of interventions brought about a fragile peace.

The first major truce came in December 2023 when President Bola Tinubu brokered an eight-point peace deal, which saw impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara withdrawn and legal battles suspended; However, the accord was only partially implemented, with both camps accusing each other of insincerity.

Despite the Abuja peace meeting, political observers note that the settlement remains fragile, with tensions simmering beneath the surface; For now, however, Fubara appears determined to prioritize peace over power plays, even if it means making personal sacrifices.

Fresh reconciliation moves followed in 2025, with Fubara and Wike attending peace talks at the Presidential Villa; Emerging from the meeting, Fubara declared that “no sacrifice is too big for peace in Rivers State,” while Wike publicly affirmed that the crisis had been resolved.

Reports indicated that part of the concessions involved Fubara completing his term without seeking re-election in 2027 and allowing Wike’s influence over local government structures.

Speaking on the development, elder statesman and Niger Delta leader, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, disclosed that Fubara had once contemplated resignation due to the overbearing influence of his predecessor, which left him feeling sidelined in the running of the state; According to Sara-Igbe, it took the intervention of party elders to dissuade the governor from stepping down.

He explained that Fubara’s refusal to “fight” Wike head-on was rooted in a desire to maintain peace, protect the state from chaos, and avoid further political instability; “Call Fubara anything, what Rivers people want is peace,” Sara-Igbe said, stressing that the governor had chosen reconciliation over confrontation in the interest of governance.

Despite the Abuja peace meeting, political observers note that the settlement remains fragile, with tensions simmering beneath the surface; For now, however, Fubara appears determined to prioritize peace over power plays, even if it means making personal sacrifices.