Signs of a renewed reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have begun to emerge following a high-level meeting of political stakeholders in Port Harcourt.
The closed-door session, held late Saturday, brought together both leaders alongside members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, the state House of Assembly leadership, and several key politicians loyal to Wike, including members of the state’s National Assembly caucus.
According to sources who spoke to Hobnob News, the meeting—convened at the instance of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council—was aimed at fostering dialogue and rebuilding political cooperation between both camps.
However, notable loyalists of Governor Fubara were conspicuously absent, sparking concerns that the peace effort may again be dominated by Wike’s allies.
Governor Fubara resumed office on September 18 following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule and the exit of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who had served as State Administrator under President Bola Tinubu. Since his return, the governor has moved swiftly to dissolve the Rivers State Pensions Board and the state Microfinance Agency—both reconstituted during the interim administration.
Those in attendance at the meeting included Wike, Fubara, Alabraba, Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, House Leader Major Jack, and Senate caucus leader Senator Barry Mpigi.
Others present were former and serving lawmakers such as Senators Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu, Wilson Ake, Felix Nwaeke, and Kelechi Nwogu. Also in attendance were elder statesmen including former NBA President Onueze Okocha (SAN); monarch 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; and Rivers PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron.
The list further included former Environment Minister Udi Odum, Elder Chidi Wihioka, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, Chief Boma Iyaye, Chief Felix Obuah, and several others.
Though details of the discussions remain undisclosed, insiders told Hobnob News that the meeting centered on reconciling Wike’s loyalists with the governor and mapping out strategies for joint political stability in the state.
Recall that when Fubara returned to the state after his reinstatement, key political figures—particularly Wike’s allies—were absent from the reception at the Port Harcourt International Airport. A similar pattern was observed during the Independence Thanksgiving Service held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Garrison, last Sunday.
The absence of the governor’s loyalists from Saturday’s meeting has stirred mixed reactions. A source close to the Fubara camp described the gathering as “one-sided,” questioning its sincerity.
“If this is reconciliation, it should be sincere and inclusive,” the source told Hobnob News. “We can’t keep seeing the same faces without the elders who stood by the governor during the crisis.”
In contrast, a Wike ally dismissed such criticism, arguing that the meeting was meant to “bring the governor back to his political roots.”
“Politics is about loyalty,” the source said. “What you’re seeing is the governor reconnecting with his original family—the same team that supported his emergence in 2023.”
Following what sources described as a “harmonisation” meeting, there are indications that Governor Fubara may soon submit a new list of commissioner-nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has appealed for patience and calm among stakeholders, describing the latest engagement as a positive step toward lasting peace.
In a statement issued Sunday in Port Harcourt, the group’s convener, Obinna Ebogidi, commended the renewed dialogue and urged both camps to put the state’s interest above personal rivalries.
“Peacebuilding is a process that begins in phases—building confidence, establishing mutual respect, and preparing the ground for broader participation,” the statement read.
Ebogidi added:
“No one wins in a divided Rivers State. Everyone stands to gain from a peaceful, stable, and prosperous state where governance and development can thrive again.”
