From Victor Osula, Abuja
For the second time in recent weeks, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, again held late-night reconciliation talks at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as efforts intensified to resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
The meeting, convened by President Bola Tinubu, brought together Wike, Fubara, and other influential political leaders from Rivers State as part of sustained efforts to heal divisions that have polarised the state’s political leadership in recent months.
Although official details of the closed-door discussions were not disclosed, sources familiar with the meeting disclosed that the talks focused on consolidating peace, rebuilding trust, and ensuring political stability in the oil-rich state, where prolonged political tensions have disrupted governance and strained political cohesion.
Recall that both Governor Fubara and the FCT Minister had earlier reaffirmed their loyalty to President Tinubu and pledged to work towards ensuring his re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
Worried by the prolonged rift between the governor and his predecessor, Tinubu reportedly urged both men to set aside their differences and work together in the overall interest of Rivers State and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Collaborate, work together,” the President was quoted as charging them.
Tinubu advised Wike to focus on his ministerial responsibilities in the FCT, while allowing Fubara the latitude to fully manage the affairs of governance in Rivers State without undue interference.
However, sources said the meeting did not resolve issues surrounding Fubara’s second-term political ambitions, as the President reportedly deferred discussions on the matter, stressing that the immediate priority was political stability and effective governance in the state.
Earlier, the Presidency and the leadership of the APC had emphasised that Fubara remains the political leader of the party in Rivers State, despite the lingering internal disputes.
Meanwhile, the renewed engagement has raised fresh hopes among stakeholders and residents that the protracted political crisis in Rivers State may soon be resolved through dialogue and compromise.
The latest reconciliation effort also appears to signal that Fubara has successfully weathered earlier impeachment threats by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, as pressure mounts for a lasting political settlement in the state.
