Fubara, Wike Camps Reopen Peace Talks as Rivers Elders Push for Political Reconciliation

Signs of a renewed reconciliation between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his political mentor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have begun to surface following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt.

The closed-door meeting, held on Saturday night, brought together both Fubara and Wike alongside members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, the state House of Assembly leadership, and several key political figures aligned with the FCT Minister, including members of the state’s National Assembly caucus.

Sources revealed that the meeting was convened at the instance of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, though details of the discussions remain undisclosed.

However, concerns have been raised about the absence of Fubara’s loyalists — marking the second consecutive time that such peace meetings have been dominated by Wike’s associates.

Governor Fubara, who returned to office on September 18 after the suspension of the six-month emergency rule and the exit of State Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has since moved to dissolve key state agencies reconstituted under Ibas’s interim government, including the Pensions Board and the Microfinance Agency.

Among those present at the meeting were Wike, Fubara, Alabraba, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule; Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol; House Leader, Major Jack; and Senator Barry Mpigi. Also in attendance were former and current lawmakers such as Senators Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu, Wilson Ake, and House of Representatives members Felix Nwaeke and Kelechi Nwogu.

Other prominent attendees included former NBA President, Onueze Okocha (SAN); elder statesman Chief Sergent Awuse; former Attorneys-General Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, and Worgu Boms; APC Deputy National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Giadom; Rivers PDP Chairman, Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron; and former Environment Minister, Udi Odum.

Although the specific agenda of the meeting was not made public, insider sources disclosed that it centered on reconciling Wike’s loyalists with Governor Fubara and fostering renewed cooperation between both factions.

Since the governor’s reinstatement, many pro-Wike figures have stayed away from public events involving Fubara. During the Independence Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral last Sunday, many of the attendees at the Saturday meeting were also notably absent.

A Fubara loyalist who spoke anonymously described the meeting as “one-sided,” saying, “If this is truly about reconciliation, it should be inclusive and transparent. You can’t reconcile one side without the other.”

In contrast, a Wike ally defended the gathering, describing it as “a homecoming for the governor.” “Politics is built on loyalty. The governor is only reconnecting with his political base — the same people who stood by him in 2023 when he emerged as candidate,” the source added.

Sources suggest that following the latest round of talks, Governor Fubara may soon forward a new list of commissioner-nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation — a move seen as part of efforts to stabilise his administration.

Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has commended the renewed dialogue, urging all parties to show restraint and patience. In a statement on Sunday, the group’s convener, Obinna Ebogidi, described the development as “a vital step toward restoring harmony and stability in the state.”

“Peacebuilding is a gradual process — one that requires trust, dialogue, and inclusion,” Ebogidi said. “The important thing is that conversations have resumed, and leaders are beginning to find common ground again. A peaceful Rivers State benefits everyone.”