The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has confirmed holding a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, and other state leaders to address the political dispute in Rivers, expressing confidence that this intervention will be the final one.
Wike spoke on the matter while responding to journalists during a routine inspection of infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital on Tuesday.
He emphasized that the President’s role as a “father” was instrumental in mediating the ongoing conflict between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Fubara.
Reflecting on developments in his home state, Wike praised the President’s benevolence toward the people of Rivers and suggested that this latest mediation would likely be the last.
“All I can tell you is that Mr. President has been very kind to the people of the state,” Wike stated. “If there seems to be a problem between the legislator and the governor, and as a father, he really has to intervene.
“I remember this is the second time Mr. President is intervening. I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time.
“I believe, by the grace of God, this will be the last time. I have told the Assembly to do the needful and obey Mr. President, which I know they will not hesitate to do. I also believe the governor will carry out his own part to make sure this is the final time Rivers people will hear this kind of discord,” he said.
The Minister added that he has already directed the State Assembly to “do the needful” by following the President’s directives, which he believes they will implement without delay. He also expects the governor to fulfill his responsibilities, ensuring that “Rivers people will begin to hear this kind of discord no more.”
In addition to addressing the political matter, Wike conducted a thorough inspection of ongoing road works to confirm contractors are maintaining quality standards and meeting project timelines.
A key highlight of the tour was the Arterial Road N5 at Life Camp, also known as Obafemi Awolowo Road, from Lifecamp junction to Ring Road 3, which the Minister declared “completely finished.”
“We were at Life Camp, N5, and it’s completely finished,” Wike remarked during the visit. “You were there when Julius Berger said in three weeks’ time, they would have finished.
“What they are working on now is the walkways; the streetlights are already there,” he added.
Wike reiterated that these “routine inspections” are critical for holding contractors accountable for both quality and timely delivery.
The N5 project, managed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is currently undergoing final touches and is among several key projects scheduled for inauguration as the FCT approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026.
