Hopes for a political truce in Rivers State resurfaced over the weekend as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held a high-level reconciliation meeting in Port Harcourt — though the conspicuous absence of Fubara’s key allies cast doubt on how inclusive the peace efforts truly are.
The closed-door meeting, which took place late Saturday, brought together Wike, Governor Fubara, and a host of influential figures, including members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, state legislators loyal to Wike, and prominent political leaders from the state’s National Assembly caucus. It was convened at the instance of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council.
The parley comes amid a tense political standoff between Fubara and Wike, whose once-close relationship fractured into a bitter power struggle barely months after Fubara succeeded him as governor. While the latest meeting is seen as a step toward reconciliation, it is the second such gathering in which the governor’s staunch loyalists were noticeably absent.
Fubara, who returned to his duties on September 18 following the suspension of a six-month emergency rule and the exit of interim administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has since begun reversing several decisions made during that period — including dissolving the Rivers State Pensions Board and the Microfinance Agency.
Those present at the meeting included Speaker of the State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, House Leader Major Jack, and Senator Barry Mpigi. Others in attendance were Senators Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu, Wilson Ake, and House of Representatives members Felix Nwaeke and Kelechi Nwogu.
Prominent figures such as former NBA President Onueze Okocha (SAN), elder statesman Chief Sergent Awuse, former Attorneys-General Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, and Worgu Boms also attended. APC Deputy National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Victor Giadom, Rivers PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron, and former Minister of Environment Udi Odum were likewise present.
However, a top Fubara ally, who spoke anonymously, criticized the meeting as “one-sided,” questioning the exclusion of pro-Fubara elders and supporters.
“It’s like what happened during the emergency rule when photos of the governor and Wike emerged from Aso Rock claiming reconciliation. 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.
In contrast, a Wike loyalist described the gathering as “the governor’s return to his political family,” arguing that the meeting aimed to restore cohesion and loyalty.
“Politics is about loyalty. These are the same people who stood with Wike when he nominated Fubara in 2023,” he said.
Sources revealed that Governor Fubara may soon forward a new list of commissioner nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening — a move expected to further test the fragile peace process.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative called for patience and cooperation from all political stakeholders, describing the renewed dialogue as a “critical first step” toward lasting peace.
“Peacebuilding is a process that begins in phases — building confidence and establishing mutual respect,” said the group’s convener, Obinna Ebogidi. “No one wins in a divided Rivers State. Everyone stands to gain from peace, stability, and progress.”
While the Port Harcourt meeting signals a potential thaw in the political crisis gripping Rivers State, the absence of Governor Fubara’s loyalists underscores lingering mistrust — and raises questions about whether the peace process will evolve into genuine reconciliation or remain a tactical show of unity.
