Developments in Rivers State have again raised doubts about the much-publicised peace pact between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The political rift between the two leaders had earlier triggered a six-month state of emergency, during which the governor and the State House of Assembly were suspended. The crisis appeared resolved weeks ago after both parties publicly reconciled, a development that prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lift the emergency rule.
However, recent events suggest that the peace may be fragile. At Sunday’s interdenominational service to mark Nigeria’s Independence, Governor Fubara, his deputy, wife, and loyal allies were in attendance, but members of the State Assembly, newly elected local government chairmen, and key associates of the FCT Minister were conspicuously absent.
Another development fueling speculation was the failure of the state government to officially felicitate the Speaker of the House of Assembly on his birthday—a long-standing practice in the state’s political culture, though not a constitutional obligation.
These incidents have cast a shadow over the supposed reconciliation, leaving many residents skeptical about the return of absolute peace. As political activities unfold in the coming days, observers say it will become clearer whether Rivers State has indeed turned a new page or if the crisis is far from over.
