The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the 23 local government chairmen in the state have met with Governor Siminalayi Fubara as efforts to reconcile the state’s political camps continue.
The meeting took place on Sunday at Fubara’s private residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, bringing together key political figures who have been involved in the prolonged dispute between the governor and his predecessor.
The visit came about two weeks after Wike led members of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, including Kingsley Chinda, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2027 general elections, to meet with the governor.
Sunday’s engagement was reportedly Wike’s first visit to Fubara’s residence in Port Harcourt.
Although details of the latest meeting were not immediately disclosed, sources said the discussions focused on sustaining reconciliation efforts, strengthening political cooperation and considering ways to accommodate Fubara’s supporters in the state’s emerging political structure.
Wike’s delegation included the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, other lawmakers and chairmen of the state’s 23 local government areas.
Chinda, who is the APC standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship election in the state, was also present.
The meeting represents another step in efforts to ease tensions between Fubara’s executive camp and the legislative bloc associated with Wike.
The political crisis began more than two years ago following a disagreement between Fubara and Wike, who governed Rivers State before becoming FCT minister.
The dispute subsequently widened the division between the governor and the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
During the crisis, lawmakers made two attempts to impeach Fubara before President Bola Tinubu intervened.
Tensions escalated in October 2023 when a section of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex along Moscow Road was bombed.
The dispute also heightened concerns over security in the oil-producing state, with suspected militant groups threatening attacks on oil installations.
In March 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State for an initial period of six months amid the political turmoil.
The action resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly.
The President subsequently appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s administrator during the emergency period.
The elected officials later returned to their respective offices.
Sunday’s meeting brought together the governor, legislative leaders and local government chairmen aligned with Wike, highlighting the continued efforts to establish a workable political understanding among the major stakeholders.
The involvement of lawmakers and council chairmen could also play a significant role in shaping political cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, it remains unclear whether the renewed discussions will lead to a lasting settlement of the dispute.
Questions also persist over the influence of Wike’s political camp on local government leadership and the selection of candidates for the forthcoming elections.
It is equally uncertain how much room the emerging political arrangement will provide for Fubara’s loyalists as the state’s political alliances continue to evolve.
