A fresh effort to reconcile Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, appears to be underway after both men met with top political leaders in Port Harcourt on Saturday night.
The closed-door meeting, held at the instance of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, brought together Wike, Fubara, members of the state House of Assembly, and other prominent figures loyal to Wike.
However, several of Fubara’s close allies were absent, raising questions about whether the reconciliation effort is inclusive.
Among those present were Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, Senate caucus leader Barry Mpigi, and several former lawmakers, including Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu. Also in attendance were senior lawyers, former commissioners, and party leaders, including Onueze Okocha (SAN), Chief Victor Giadom, and Chief Felix Obuah.
Sources said the meeting focused on reuniting both political camps and promoting peace and cooperation in the state.
This was the second major peace meeting dominated by Wike’s loyalists since Fubara returned to office on September 18, following the end of a six-month emergency rule in the state.
Related Stories:
- Jonathan May Join ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections
- Trump Sends 300 National Guard Troops to Chicago Amid Unrest
A Fubara loyalist, who spoke anonymously, described the meeting as one-sided.
“It’s the same faces, known loyalists of the FCT Minister. Where are elders like Chief Rufus Ada-George or Dr. Gabriel Toby who stood by the governor? If this is reconciliation, it should be sincere and inclusive,” the source said.
But a Wike supporter defended the meeting, saying it was about restoring unity.
“Politics is about loyalty. What you’re seeing is the governor returning to his original family. These are the people who stood with Wike when he nominated Fubara in 2023,” he said.
Following the meeting, sources said Governor Fubara may soon submit a new list of commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has called for patience and understanding from residents, saying the talks are a step toward lasting peace.
Its convener, Obinna Ebogidi, praised the renewed dialogue among political leaders.
“Peacebuilding begins in phases — building confidence, establishing respect, and preparing for broader participation,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
He urged all political actors to protect the peace process, not politicise it.
“No one wins in a divided Rivers State. Everyone stands to gain from a peaceful, stable, and prosperous state where governance and development can thrive again,” Ebogidi added.