Signs of renewed reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, are emerging after months of political tension.
A high-level closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt on Saturday night brought together both leaders, members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, the State House of Assembly leadership, and several prominent political figures aligned with Wike. The meeting, reportedly convened by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, chairman of the elders’ council, aimed to rebuild trust and reopen dialogue between the two camps.
However, notable was the absence of Governor Fubara’s key loyalists, sparking fresh concerns over the inclusiveness of the peace process. This marks the second major reconciliation effort dominated by Wike’s associates.
Governor Fubara, who resumed office on September 18 following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule and the exit of State Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has since dissolved several state agencies reconstituted under Ibas’s tenure.
Among attendees at the meeting were Wike, Fubara, Alabraba, Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, House Leader Major Jack, and Senator Barry Mpigi, alongside a host of past and present lawmakers, traditional rulers, and elder statesmen.
Sources close to the discussions said the agenda centered on fostering cooperation between the governor’s camp and Wike’s loyalists, with speculation that Fubara might soon submit a new list of commissioner nominees to the State Assembly as part of the harmonisation process.
Still, some Fubara allies have described the move as “one-sided”, questioning the absence of stalwarts such as Chief Rufus Ada-George, Dr. Gabriel Toby, and High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, who were vocal supporters of the governor during the crisis.
One loyalist, speaking anonymously, said:
“This feels like a repeat of what happened during the emergency rule — the same faces, the same circle. If this is reconciliation, it should be genuine and inclusive.”
Conversely, a Wike supporter defended the process, saying:
“Politics is about loyalty. What’s happening is simply the governor returning to his political roots. These are the same people who stood by Wike when he chose Fubara in 2023.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative, through its convener Obinna Ebogidi, commended the rekindled dialogue, urging all parties to show patience and restraint.
“Peacebuilding takes time,” Ebogidi said. “The important thing is that conversations have resumed and leaders are finding the courage to seek common ground.”
He stressed that a united Rivers State was vital for progress:
“No one wins in a divided Rivers State. Everyone benefits from a peaceful, stable, and prosperous environment where governance can thrive again.”
