Fubara’s Men Absent at Governor’s Reunion with Wike

By Charles Maduka

Signs of renewed reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, have emerged following a high-level meeting of key political stakeholders in Port Harcourt. The closed-door meeting, convened by the Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, brought together Wike, Fubara, members of the state House of Assembly leadership and several top politicians loyal to the FCT Minister.

However, the absence of the governor’s loyalists at the meeting has raised concerns about the inclusiveness of the peace effort. This is the second time such a gathering has been dominated by Wike’s allies, according to sources. Governor Fubara returned to office on September 18 after the suspension of the six-month emergency rule in the state, during which Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as State Administrator.

Those present at Saturday’s meeting included Wike, Fubara, Alabraba, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, House Leader Major Jack and Senator Barry Mpigi. Others in attendance were former and serving lawmakers, senior lawyers, party leaders and community figures. The agenda reportedly centred on reconciling both camps and fostering cooperation between the governor and his political mentor.

A Fubara loyalist described the meeting as one-sided, questioning the absence of elders who had supported the governor during past crises. In contrast, a Wike supporter defended the meeting as a step toward bringing the governor “back to his political roots,” arguing that politics is about loyalty and continuity.

Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has urged patience and trust in the ongoing dialogue, calling it a vital step toward lasting stability. In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s convener, Obinna Ebogidi, lauded the renewed talks and appealed to all parties to avoid politicising the reconciliation process, stressing that a peaceful and united Rivers State benefits everyone.