Signs of a renewed reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are beginning to emerge after a high-level political stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt.
The closed-door session, held on Saturday night, brought together Governor Fubara, Wike, members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, the leadership of the state House of Assembly, and several notable politicians aligned with the FCT Minister, including members of the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly.
While full details were still unclear as of press time, insiders disclosed that the meeting was convened at the request of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council.
However, concerns have been raised over the conspicuous absence of Fubara’s loyalists, making it the second peace gathering dominated mainly by Wike’s camp.
Fubara resumed office on September 18, following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State and the exit of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who had served as the State Administrator under President Bola Tinubu.
Since returning, the governor has dissolved the Rivers State Pensions Board and the State Microfinance Agency — both reconstituted during Ibas’s tenure.
Those at Saturday’s reconciliation meeting included Wike, Fubara, Alabraba, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, House Leader Major Jack, and Senate caucus leader Senator Barry Mpigi.
Also in attendance were former and serving lawmakers such as Senators Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu, Wilson Ake, Felix Nwaeke (Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency), and Kelechi Nwogu (Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency).
Other prominent figures present included former NBA President Onueze Okocha (SAN), elder statesman and monarch Chief Sergent Awuse, ex-Attorneys-General Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, and Worgu Boms; APC Deputy National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Victor Giadom; Rivers PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron; and former Environment Minister Udi Odum.
Also in the meeting were Elder Chidi Wihioka, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, Pro-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Ikuinyi Ibani, NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration Chief Boma Iyaye, Chief Marcus Nle Eji, Prof. Ogiri, Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, Dr. Sampson Parker, Dr. Fred Kpakol, and Chief Felix Obuah, among others.
Though the specific agenda was undisclosed, insiders said discussions centred on reconciling Wike’s allies with Governor Fubara and fostering cooperation between the two political blocs.
It would be recalled that on September 19, when Fubara returned to Rivers after reinstatement, no members of the State Assembly, local government chairmen, or Wike loyalists were present to welcome him at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Similarly, at the Independence Thanksgiving Service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Garrison, last Sunday, most of the political figures who attended Saturday’s meeting were notably absent.
Last week, Governor Fubara dismissed all commissioners and public officers whose appointments were tied to the Supreme Court judgment that recognised Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the State Assembly.
That ruling nullified appointments made through the rival faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, an ally of Fubara.
Speaking anonymously, one of Fubara’s loyalists expressed misgivings about the meeting, describing it as skewed.
“It’s similar to what we saw during the emergency rule when pictures of the governor, the FCT Minister, and Martin Amaewhule appeared with President Tinubu at Aso Rock under the guise of reconciliation,” the source said. “Again, we see only Wike’s loyalists. Where are elders like Chief Rufus Ada-George, Dr. Gabriel Toby, or High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, who openly supported the governor? If this is reconciliation, it should be genuine and all-inclusive.”
A loyalist of Wike, however, defended the meeting, insisting it was an attempt to “bring the governor back to his political roots.”
“Politics is about loyalty,” the source argued. “What you’re witnessing is the governor returning to his original family. These are the same people who stood with Wike when he endorsed Fubara in 2023. Many of those now complaining were never part of that process.”
Following the harmonisation discussions, insiders suggested that Governor Fubara might soon forward a list of commissioner-nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has urged patience and faith in the peace process, describing the reconciliation as a vital step toward long-term stability.
In a Sunday statement from Port Harcourt, the group’s convener, Obinna Ebogidi, praised the renewed dialogue between political and community leaders, stressing that the process must be nurtured rather than politicised.
“Peacebuilding unfolds in stages, creating trust, mutual respect, and laying the foundation for broader participation,” the statement noted.
“The critical point is that discussions have restarted, and leaders are showing courage to meet, talk, and pursue common ground.”
Ebogidi further urged all stakeholders, politicians, and citizens to remain calm and cooperative.
“No one gains in a divided Rivers State,” he said. “Everyone benefits from a united, peaceful, and prosperous state where governance and development thrive.”
