Fubara, Wike meet again to strengthen peace in Rivers State

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has intensified efforts to sustain the peace recently restored in the state after more than two years of political tension.

In a fresh move to consolidate stability, Governor Fubara met again with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday night. The meeting, held behind closed doors at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, reportedly lasted until the early hours of Sunday and included several political leaders loyal to the FCT Minister.

The discussion came days after the governor’s valedictory session with members of his cabinet. During that meeting, Governor Fubara directed commissioners affected by the Supreme Court judgment on the Rivers political crisis to step aside, while eight others unaffected by the ruling have since resumed their duties.

Although the details of Saturday’s talks were not disclosed, it is widely believed that both leaders are working together to uphold the peace accord brokered under President Bola Tinubu during the state’s six-month political turmoil.

The renewed engagement follows Governor Fubara’s recent visit to President Tinubu, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to peace and sought presidential guidance on preventing a relapse into political crisis.

Similarly, Minister Wike, in a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process, stating that he had no interest in influencing the appointment of new commissioners — a shift from the 2023 scenario when most of the cabinet members were retained from his administration.

Among those present at the 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.

Others included Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, HRM Sergeant Awuse, Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN), four former Attorneys-General — Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN); APC South-South Vice Chairman Victor Giadom; PDP State Chairman Chukwuemeka Aaron; and Port Harcourt City Mayor Alwell Ihunda.

Also in attendance were former Minister of Environment Udi Odom; HYPREP Board Chairman Emma Deeyah; former lawmakers Chidi Wihioka and Chinyere Igwe; former Speaker Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani; Boma Iyaye (EDFA, NDDC); Marcus Nle Eji (ED Works/Projects, South South Development Commission); Prof. Henry Ogiri (Federal Commissioner, NPC); Emeka Woke (DG, NOSDRA); Dr. Sampson Parker (Chairman, Rivers State Hospital Management Board); Fred Kpakol (Member, HYPREP Board); former PDP Chairman Felix Obuah; and Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister.