The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and local government leaders in Port Harcourt on Sunday. This visit marks the first time Wike has been to Fubara’s residence.
The gathering comes two weeks after Wike led members of the Rainbow Coalition, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 elections, Kingsley Chinda, in discussions with the governor. It appears to be part of ongoing efforts to reconcile the two political factions following a period of unrest.
Wike’s delegation included legislative members, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and the chairmen of the state’s 23 local councils. While details of the meeting remain under wraps, sources indicate it aimed to further previous dialogues, enhance reconciliation, and consider how to integrate Fubara’s supporters into the state’s political landscape.
Tensions have existed between Fubara and the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for over two years due to a rift between the governor and his predecessor, Wike. This led to two failed impeachment attempts against Fubara, requiring intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
In October 2023, the political strife escalated when a section of the state House of Assembly was bombed. Suspected militant groups threatened oil installations in the region, prompting President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, resulting in the suspension of the governor and other officials, until they were reinstated later.
Sunday’s meeting is crucial as it features prominent political figures from both camps, signalling a potential path to stability in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. However, uncertainties linger regarding the influence of Wike’s faction on local government leadership and candidate selections, as well as how Fubara’s supporters will fit into the new political framework.
