PORT HARCOURT: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said he will soon make public the peace agreement he reached with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara before President Bola Tinubu, signalling a fresh escalation in the state’s lingering political tensions.
Wike gave the indication during a “Thank You Visit” to Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday.
President Tinubu had in June brokered a truce between the two political leaders, a deal that temporarily halted the protracted crisis that had gripped the state and threatened governance.
Accusing Fubara of allegedly reneging on the terms of that pact, Wike said, “very soon, we will let people know what we agreed on before Mr President.”
He urged the people of Tai to be wary of politicians who, in his words, “cannot keep their promise,” stressing that such persons were unworthy of trust regardless of political affiliation.
The minister declared that Rivers people were fully prepared for the 2027 elections, warning that financial inducements would not influence the electorate.
According to him, what would matter most in the coming polls was the “will of the people.”
Wike explained that his visit to the area was not political but a gesture of gratitude to the people of Tai for standing by him and President Tinubu during the 2023 general elections.
“It was a tough battle in 2023. You took a risk, worked with us and God gave us victory. See what the risk had resulted too – a federal university sited in Tai and many other benefits,” he said.
Earlier, Senator Barry Npigi (APC – Rivers South East) expressed appreciation to Tinubu and Wike for their support in the senatorial district, saying “the people never had it this good.”
He assured Wike that the people were committed to supporting him in the pursuit of justice, equity and fairness, which they believe the President embodies. “I want to assure you on behalf of the people of Rivers South East, that we will continue to be with you,” he added.
Similarly, Mr Bernard Nbar, who represents Tai Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, pledged the loyalty of his constituents to the minister, declaring, “You can count on the Tai people, because Tai people keep to their words.”
Chairman of Tai Local Government Council, Mbakpone Okpe, also thanked Wike for visiting to engage with the people, describing the minister’s 2023 directive to support Tinubu as a blessing.
He said the community had continued to reap democratic benefits under the current administration. “Our people have continued to benefit from appointments, infrastructure, empowerment and other dividends of democracy. For these reasons and more, we are eager to return Mr President for a second tenure. We will roll out all our votes for Tinubu and whoever you support,” he said.
