The embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has reportedly held a crucial reconciliation meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in a bid to end the ongoing political crisis rocking the state.
The private meeting, which took place at Wike’s Abuja residence, was said to have been facilitated by a coalition of prominent political stakeholders, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba.
According to reliable sources close to the discussions, Governor Fubara, who has been under immense political pressure following a breakdown in his relationship with his predecessor, walked into Wike’s living room unannounced. The source stated, “Fubara went straight to the living room because he is familiar with the place. He pleaded with the minister for reconciliation.”
Although the specifics and resolutions from the meeting remain undisclosed, insiders confirmed that the engagement indeed took place. One insider, while speaking to the DAILY POST, said: “There was a meeting and I can confirm that.”
Pressed further about the potential outcome of the meeting or whether it might lead to peace in the state, he replied, “That I can’t confirm, but all I know is that there was a meeting.”
The high-level meeting follows a previous private discussion between Governor Fubara and President Bola Tinubu in London, which was part of federal efforts to de-escalate rising political tensions and avoid a full-blown crisis in Rivers State.
Fubara’s relationship with Wike began to deteriorate shortly after he assumed office in 2023, despite being Wike’s preferred successor. The rift has since evolved into a full-scale political battle, causing disruptions in governance and factional conflicts within the state’s political hierarchy.
As the conflict intensified, militant groups in the Niger Delta region issued threats of attacking vital oil infrastructures, prompting urgent intervention from the federal government.
In a dramatic move, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire State House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed a Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the suspension.
In response to this development, Wike had earlier declared that his goal was to ensure Fubara was removed from office, but acknowledged that Tinubu’s intervention saved him. The latest reconciliation attempt may mark a turning point in Rivers State’s political crisis, although the full outcome is yet to be determined.