Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara few days ago reportedly met with the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike in what appears to be an attempt to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The meeting was held at Wike’s private residence in Abuja following Fubara’s visit to President Bola Tinubu in London.
According to information gathered, this reconciliation effort has presidential backing.
Accompanying Fubara to the meeting were Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, along with former Ogun Governor Olusegun Osoba.
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A source familiar with the proceedings noted that Fubara seemed comfortable entering Wike’s residence: “Fubara walked straight into Wike’s living room because that’s a familiar terrain,” the source revealed.
Another source described Fubara’s deferential behavior during the April 18th meeting: “Fubara was brought to the minister’s house on Friday, 18 April. He prostrated for Wike while holding his legs and calling him, ‘My Oga’.”
While a third insider confirmed the meeting took place, stating simply, “There was a meeting and I can confirm that,” Wike’s spokesperson Lere Olayinka, though acknowledging the meeting, said he was not privy to the discussions.
During the meeting, Fubara was reportedly instructed to return to Rivers State and “tell his supporters the truth” about his falling out with Wike who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This reconciliation attempt follows months of political tension between the two figures since Fubara assumed office as governor in 2023.
The conflict resulted in a divided Rivers State House of Assembly, with 27 lawmakers supporting Wike and only three remaining loyal to Fubara.
Fubara had previously dismissed the majority faction, claiming they forfeited their positions after allegedly switching from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The situation escalated when the Supreme Court ruled on February 28, 2025, in favor of the pro-Wike lawmakers, recognizing them as the legitimate assembly.
The court also suspended federal funding to Rivers State and invalidated local government elections conducted under Fubara’s administration.
By March 14, the Rivers House of Assembly had issued notices of alleged misconduct against both Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, potentially setting the stage for impeachment proceedings.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending both Fubara and the lawmakers for six months.
This emergency declaration has since faced significant public criticism throughout Nigeria.
