Fubara, Wike, and Allies Meet to Strengthen Peace Efforts in Rivers State
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ramped up efforts to maintain the fragile peace recently restored in the state, following over two years of intense political unrest.
In a strategic move to reinforce stability across the oil-rich state, Governor Fubara held another meeting on Saturday night with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. This latest dialogue included a broader circle of political figures loyal to the FCT Minister.
The closed-door meeting took place at the Port Harcourt home of elder statesman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and continued into the early hours of Sunday. It came just days after a valedictory session held on Wednesday between the Governor and his cabinet members.
During that session, Governor Fubara instructed commissioners impacted by the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers political dispute to vacate their posts. Eight unaffected commissioners have since resumed their official responsibilities.
Although the specifics of the latest meeting between Fubara and Wike were not made public, sources suggest that both leaders are working to fully implement the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu during the state’s six-month emergency governance period.
This renewed dialogue follows Governor Fubara’s recent visit to President Tinubu, during which he reiterated his commitment to sustaining peace and sought guidance on preventing further political unrest.
Similarly, Minister Wike, in a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, emphasized his continued support for the peace process. He also clarified that he has no intention of influencing the appointment of new commissioners — a contrast to the 2023 scenario, when many cabinet members were carried over from his tenure as governor.
Among those present at Saturday’s meeting were Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule; Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; Hon. Felix Nwaeke (Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency); Hon. Kelechi Nwogu (Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency); Deputy Speaker Hon. Dumle Maol; and House Leader Hon. Major Jack.
Other attendees included Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, HRM Sergeant Awuse, Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN), and four former Attorneys-General — Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN). Also present were APC South-South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom, PDP State Chairman Chukwuemeka Aaron, and Port Harcourt City Mayor Alwell Ihunda.
Additional figures at the meeting included former Minister of Environment Udi Odom; HYPREP Board Chairman Emma Deeyah; former lawmakers Chidi Wihioka and Chinyere Igwe; former Rivers Assembly Speaker Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani; Boma Iyaye (EDFA, NDDC); Marcus Nle Eji (ED, South South Development Commission); Prof. Henry Ogiri (Federal Commissioner, NPC); Emeka Woke (DG, NOSDRA); Dr. Sampson Parker (Chairman, Rivers State Hospital Management Board); HYPREP Board Member Fred Kpakol; former PDP Chairman Felix Obuah; and Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister.