The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has again stepped in to mediate the lingering political crisis rocking Rivers State, expressing hope that the latest intervention will finally end the prolonged discord.
Wike said the president’s move was aimed at resolving tensions between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which have continued to disrupt governance and political stability in the state.
He described the intervention as timely and necessary, given the impact of the crisis on the people of Rivers State.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said Tinubu acted in his capacity as the father of the nation, who could not ignore the growing strain within the state’s political leadership.
He noted that this marked the second time the president was intervening in the matter.
According to the FCT Minister, the President’s renewed involvement reflects his concern for peace and orderly governance in Rivers State, stressing that the situation had reached a point where firm guidance was required to restore calm and cooperation among the key actors.
Wike expressed optimism that the latest peace effort would produce a lasting resolution, adding that he hoped Rivers people would no longer be subjected to recurring political disputes once all parties fully complied with the president’s directives.
“Mr President has been very kind to the people of the state. As a father, he really had to intervene. This is the second time Mr President has intervened. I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time.”
Wike also confirmed that as part of the renewed efforts for peace, the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been advised to comply with the president’s directives to ensure a lasting truce and expressed optimism that the state executive would also fulfil its obligations under the peace agreement to end the recurring discord.
Speaking on the projects inspected—the critical arterial and access roads within the Life Camp and Karsana Districts—the minister disclosed that the extension of the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from Life Camp Junction to Kafe District was nearing 100% completion, stressing that the contractor, Julius Berger Plc, has indicated that final works on the walkways and streetlights will be finalised within the next three weeks.
He said the project, which features a four-lane bridge, was slated for inauguration during the president’s third anniversary in office.
On the Renewed Hope City Access Road in Karsana, the minister said the construction of the 10-kilometre ring road being executed by Lubriks Construction Company was also progressing rapidly and expressed satisfaction with the quality of work.
“I’ve seen their work, and they are really going to meet the May/June deadline. On our part, we will ensure they get the necessary funding to finish on time,” he said.
Wike also reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to maintaining strict quality standards and meeting stipulated timeframes for all ongoing projects to ensure the Renewed Hope Agenda is felt by all residents of the nation’s capital.
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