Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, are exhibiting signs of renewed reconciliation following a high-profile meeting of key political stakeholders in Port Harcourt.
The closed-door meeting, held on Saturday night, included Fubara, Wike, members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, the leadership of the state House of Assembly, and several prominent politicians aligned with Wike. The meeting was reportedly convened by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council.
However, concerns arose due to the absence of Fubara’s loyalists, marking the second time a peace gathering has been dominated by Wike’s camp. Fubara returned to office on September 18 after the suspension of a six-month emergency rule and the exit of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who had served as the State Administrator.
Since his reinstatement, Fubara has dissolved the Rivers State Pensions Board and the state Microfinance Agency, both established during Ibas’s administration.
Attendees of the meeting included Wike, Fubara, Alabraba, and various political leaders, including members of the Rivers National Assembly and former legislators. While the specifics of the agenda were not disclosed, sources indicated that the focus was on reconciling Wike’s supporters with Governor Fubara and fostering cooperation between both factions.
When Fubara returned to the state on September 19, he was not greeted by members of the State Assembly or local government officials loyal to Wike. Additionally, during a recent Independence Thanksgiving Service, many of the attendees from Saturday’s meeting were also absent.
A Fubara loyalist expressed skepticism about the meeting, calling it one-sided and reminiscent of past gatherings that featured only Wike’s loyalists. In contrast, a Wike supporter defended the meeting, stating it aimed to reconnect Fubara with his political roots, emphasizing loyalty in politics.
Sources suggest that Fubara may soon submit a list of commissioner nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has called for patience and trust in the ongoing reconciliation efforts, describing them as essential for lasting stability. Convener Obinna Ebogidi emphasized the need for dialogue among political and community leaders and urged all parties to protect the reconciliation process.
Ebogidi stated, “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.”
