Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has once again reached out to his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a renewed effort to resolve the lingering political conflict in the state.
Fubara reportedly met with Wike at the minister’s Abuja residence earlier this week, according to insider sources familiar with the development. Though a widely circulated photo of the duo was dismissed as outdated, sources confirmed that the visit occurred on Monday, marking another quiet attempt by the embattled governor to initiate peace talks.
The latest meeting underscores ongoing reconciliation efforts following a months-long political standoff that began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023. The fallout with Wike, his political mentor, quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis involving a split in the state legislature and threats of unrest from militant groups.
President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Fubara and appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator. The move aimed to stabilize the state and prevent further deterioration of security, particularly around critical oil infrastructure.
Despite his suspension, Fubara has held separate meetings with President Tinubu in Lagos and London and now appears to be intensifying efforts to rebuild trust with Wike. The FCT Minister recently referred to Fubara as his “political son,” urging him to engage other key stakeholders in Rivers to achieve a comprehensive resolution.
However, Fubara is yet to publicly meet with other political leaders in the state, and his suspension has now entered its third month. As political uncertainty lingers, many observers are watching closely to see whether these reconciliation efforts will lead to meaningful progress—or further deepen Rivers State’s political divide.
