Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has paid another visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the political crisis in the state.
The meeting, which reportedly took place on Monday, marks the latest attempt at reconciliation between the two political figures whose prolonged dispute has caused significant instability in Rivers State. Fubara’s visit to Wike, his predecessor and political benefactor, is seen as a move aimed at restoring calm and rebuilding political alignment within the state.
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Governor Fubara was suspended by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025, following months of escalating tensions that disrupted governance and triggered political unrest across the state. His suspension came amid accusations of insubordination and power struggles between the state executive and influential political actors, notably Wike, who played a key role in Fubara’s emergence as governor.
The recent visit is not the first time both men have met in the aftermath of the crisis, but it is the most significant development since Fubara’s suspension. While details of the meeting have not been officially disclosed, sources familiar with the situation confirmed that the discussion focused on finding common ground to end the feud and stabilize Rivers politics.
President Tinubu had earlier intervened in the conflict, urging both parties to embrace peace for the sake of the state’s development and political stability. Despite several previous attempts at mediation, the rift between Fubara and Wike remained unresolved, with both camps maintaining hardened positions. Fubara’s latest outreach is being interpreted by observers as a conciliatory gesture, possibly influenced by political pressure and the need to reinstate a functional leadership in Rivers State.
The crisis in Rivers began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023, when differences in governance style, political loyalty, and control of the state’s administrative structure led to a breakdown in relations between the governor and Wike’s loyalists. The situation worsened over time, culminating in political showdowns within the state legislature, mass resignations, and factional alignments in the state’s political hierarchy.
The federal government, concerned by the instability, stepped in with a directive aimed at restoring normalcy. President Tinubu’s decision to suspend Fubara was widely seen as a drastic but necessary measure to compel a resolution and pave the way for meaningful dialogue.
Fubara’s renewed engagement with Wike is therefore viewed by political analysts as a pivotal moment that could determine the future of leadership in Rivers State. Some insiders suggest that the meeting may lead to a more structured negotiation process, possibly involving additional stakeholders from both sides.
Public reactions to the meeting have been mixed. While some residents of Rivers State are hopeful that reconciliation between the two leaders could bring back stability and effective governance, others remain skeptical, citing past failed attempts and the deep-rooted nature of the rivalry.
As of now, there has been no official statement from either Fubara or Wike confirming the outcome of the meeting. However, sources close to the development insist that dialogue remains open, and both parties are under pressure from political allies and national leadership to reach a compromise.
The situation in Rivers State continues to attract national attention, with stakeholders across the political spectrum calling for swift and lasting peace. Many believe that a resolution between Fubara and Wike is crucial not only for the governance of Rivers State but also for maintaining cohesion within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which is grappling with internal power dynamics in various states.
It remains to be seen whether this latest round of discussions will yield a breakthrough or simply become another failed attempt in a prolonged political standoff.
