Rivers Crisis: ‘They Misled The Young Man’ – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  Nyesom Wike, has alleged that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was misled by certain individuals following the signing of the peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu.

Wike made the disclosure while addressing supporters during a political engagement in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he spoke at length on the lingering political crisis in the State.

Wike said the peace agreement was witnessed and signed by key national figures, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili, among others.

The Minister said all parties reached a consensus during a meeting with Tinubu, but the agreement later collapsed after some people gave  Governor Fubara contrary advice on his return to the State.

He said, “There was a time we met with Mr President and everyone signed the agreement. Even the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, signed. Peter Odili also signed.

“But after they returned home, some people began to mislead the young man, telling him it was political and that he should not follow through. That was how the crisis dragged on and ended up in court, where we won clearly.”

Wike emphasised that despite the outcome, President Tinubu intervened again in the interest of peace, leading to another round of negotiations.

The former Governor of Rivers State said he initially expressed reservations about dealing with parties who fail to honour agreements, but several governors, ministers and legal practitioners appealed to him to accept a fresh deal.

He added, “They assured me it would be different this time. After several meetings with Governor Fubara, we reached a new agreement and presented it again before Mr President. Everyone committed to implementing it.”