Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has met with former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as part of fresh efforts to end the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The meeting, which took place at Wike’s private residence in Abuja, followed Fubara’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu in London.
It was gathered that the move was part of a reconciliation process backed by the presidency.
Fubara was accompanied to the meeting by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and former Ogun Governor Olusegun Osoba.
A source familiar with the meeting said Fubara entered Wike’s home without hesitation. “Fubara walked straight into Wike’s living room because that’s a familiar terrain,” the source revealed.
Another source added, “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’.”
An insider confirmed the meeting. “There was a meeting and I can confirm that,” the source stated.
Although Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting took place, he said he was not informed of what was discussed.
Sources say Fubara was asked during the meeting to return to Rivers and “tell his supporters the truth” about the fallout with Wike.
The reconciliation attempt comes after a long-running political rift between the two leaders, which began shortly after Fubara took office as governor in 2023.
The conflict led to a split in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Twenty-seven lawmakers aligned with Wike, while three remained loyal to Fubara. Fubara had dismissed the majority group, arguing they lost their seats after reportedly defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the Supreme Court ruled on 28 February 2025 in favour of the pro-Wike lawmakers, declaring them the legitimate assembly. The court also halted federal funding to the state and cancelled local government elections conducted by Fubara’s administration.
On 14 March, the Rivers House of Assembly issued a notice of alleged misconduct against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, in a move toward their possible impeachment.
Following heightened tension as the crisis deepened, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended both Fubara and the lawmakers for six months.
Meanwhile, there has been widespread public criticism across the country against the emergency declaration.