Rivers Politics: Wike Visits Fubara’s Private Residence As Reconciliation Talks Continue

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Sunday hosted Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and local government chairmen at his private residence in Port Harcourt, in what is seen as another step towards resolving the state’s prolonged political crisis.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the delegation included the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and chairmen of the state’s 23 local government areas. Kingsley Chinda was also reported to be among those present.

The meeting marked the first time Wike had visited Fubara at his private residence in Port Harcourt. However, details of the discussions were not immediately made public.

Sources cited in reports on the meeting indicated that the engagement was intended to build on previous discussions between the two political camps, strengthen reconciliation efforts and explore ways to accommodate Fubara’s loyalists within the state’s evolving political arrangement.

The latest meeting came about two weeks after Wike led members of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, including Chinda, to meet with the governor. Sunday’s gathering is understood to be part of continuing efforts to consolidate the relative calm that has returned to the state following years of political tension.

Fubara and the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly had been embroiled in a prolonged dispute linked to the political disagreement between the governor and his predecessor, Wike. The crisis lasted for more than two years and included two attempts by lawmakers to impeach the governor before President Bola Tinubu intervened.

Tensions escalated in October 2023 when part of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex along Moscow Road was bombed, further deepening the political uncertainty in the state.

In March 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State for an initial period of six months. The measure resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly. Ibok-Ete Ibas was subsequently appointed administrator during the period.

The elected officials later returned to office, renewing attention on efforts to restore political stability and rebuild working relationships among the state’s major political actors.

Although the specific outcomes of Sunday’s meeting remain unclear, the gathering has renewed focus on reconciliation efforts involving Fubara, Wike, lawmakers and local government leaders as political discussions continue ahead of the 2027 elections.