Crisis in Rivers: Suspended Governor Fubara Meets Wike in Abuja, Begs for Reconciliation

In a significant move toward reconciliation, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, met with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at the latter’s residence in Abuja.

InfoStride News reliably gathered that the meeting, held behind closed doors, was facilitated by prominent political figures including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba.

According to sources, Fubara, upon arrival at Wike’s residence, “walked straight into Wike’s living room because that’s a familiar terrain” and reportedly pleaded with the minister.

A political insider who spoke anonymously confirmed the meeting but could not verify whether it marked an end to the state of emergency in the state.

“There was a meeting and I can confirm that,” the source said. “That I can’t confirm but all I know is that there was a meeting.”

The reconciliation effort follows a separate meeting between Governor Fubara and President Bola Tinubu in London. The rift between Fubara and Wike, once allies, began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023.

President Tinubu, in a bid to prevent the political crisis from escalating into a broader security threat—amid rising tensions and threats by Niger Delta militants to attack oil installations—declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The president also suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months, appointing a Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Commenting on the state of emergency, Wike had earlier revealed that he pushed for Fubara’s removal but was persuaded otherwise by Tinubu.