Rivers State, a critical political and economic hub in Nigeria's South-South region, is once again a focal point of intense political speculation and underlying tension. Recent developments suggest a potential thawing in the frosty relationship between the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his erstwhile political godfather, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This potential rapprochement, however, is shadowed by the striking absence of Governor Fubara's key loyalists at a pivotal reconciliation meeting, raising questions about the true nature and inclusivity of the peace process.The narrative of a renewed reconciliation gained traction following a high-stakes, closed-door meeting held on a recent Saturday night in Port Harcourt, the state capital. This gathering was no ordinary political conclave; it brought together a formidable array of Rivers State's political heavyweights. Among those present were Governor Fubara himself, the influential FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, respected members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, the leadership of the state House of Assembly, and numerous prominent politicians who overtly align themselves with the FCT Minister's political camp, including members of the Rivers National Assembly caucus.Sources, while maintaining anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, indicated that the meeting was convened at the behest of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, the venerable Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council. Chief Alabraba's initiative underscores the deep-seated desire within certain segments of the state's leadership to bridge the widening chasm between the two political titans and their respective factions. However, despite the high-profile attendance and the purported objective of peacebuilding, the absence of Governor Fubara's core supporters cast a long shadow over the proceedings. This was reportedly the second such peace gathering dominated by Wike’s loyalists, fueling concerns about an imbalanced and potentially coercive reconciliation process.Governor Fubara’s return to office on September 18th marked a significant turning point, following the conclusion of a six-month emergency rule in the state. The departure of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who had served as the State Administrator under President Bola Tinubu, paved the way for Fubara to reassume his executive powers. Upon his reinstatement, the governor wasted no time in making his mark, swiftly dissolving the Rivers State Pensions Board and the state Microfinance Agency. Both entities had been reconstituted during Admiral Ibas’s administration, signaling Fubara’s intent to assert his authority and perhaps reverse some decisions made during the interregnum.The list of attendees at the Saturday meeting reads like a 'who's who' of Rivers State politics, predominantly featuring figures associated with the Wike camp. Besides Wike and Fubara, Chief Alabraba was present, lending his gravitas to the discussions. The legislative arm was well-represented by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, and House Leader Major Jack. The federal legislative caucus also had a strong presence, led by Senate caucus leader Senator Barry Mpigi. Other notable figures included former and serving lawmakers such as Senators Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu, Wilson Ake, Felix Nwaeke (representing Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency), and Kelechi Nwogu (representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency).The array of attendees extended beyond the legislative and executive arms to include legal luminaries and traditional rulers. Former NBA President Onueze Okocha (SAN) and elder statesman and monarch Chief Sergent Awuse were present. The legal community further included former Attorneys-General Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, and Worgu Boms. Political party structures were also represented by Chief Victor Giadom, the APC Deputy National Vice Chairman (South-South), and Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron, the Rivers PDP Chairman. Former Environment Minister Udi Odum, Elder Chidi Wihioka, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, Pro-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Ikuinyi Ibani, and Chief Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at NDDC, also participated. Further reinforcing the depth of Wike's loyalists were Chief Marcus Nle Eji, Prof. Ogiri, Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, Dr. Sampson Parker, Dr. Fred Kpakol, and Chief Felix Obuah, among others.While the specific agenda of the meeting remained shrouded in secrecy, informed sources suggested that the core objective was to reconcile Governor Fubara with Wike's loyalists and foster a spirit of cooperation between the two formidable political camps. This perceived need for reconciliation stems from a series of events that highlighted the growing chasm. It is particularly recalled that on September 19th, upon Fubara’s return to the state after his reinstatement, there was a conspicuous absence of State Assembly members, local government chairmen, or any known Wike loyalists to receive him at the Port Harcourt International Airport. Similarly, at the Independence Thanksgiving Service held last Sunday at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Garrison, many of the figures who attended Saturday’s meeting were noticeably absent, further underscoring the political divide.Adding to the complexity, the governor had, in the preceding week, officially dismissed all commissioners and public office holders whose appointments were invalidated by a Supreme Court judgment. This judgment had recognized Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the State Assembly, thereby nullifying the appointments of those screened by the faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, a known Fubara ally. This series of events painted a clear picture of a political landscape fraught with internal strife and power struggles.A loyalist to Governor Fubara, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity, articulated profound reservations about the recent meeting, characterizing it as overtly "one-sided." The source drew parallels to a previous attempt at reconciliation during the emergency rule, when images surfaced of the governor, the FCT Minister, and Martin Amaewhule alongside President Tinubu in Aso Rock, purportedly signifying a truce. "Now again, it’s the same faces, known loyalists of the FCT Minister. Where are elders like Chief Rufus Ada-George, Dr. Gabriel Toby, or High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, who stood by the governor? If this is reconciliation, it should be sincere and inclusive," the Fubara loyalist lamented, highlighting the perceived imbalance and lack of genuine representation of the governor's camp.In contrast, a Wike loyalist, also requesting anonymity, vehemently defended the meeting, asserting that its primary purpose was to "bring the governor back to his political roots." This perspective emphasized the importance of loyalty in politics. "Politics is about loyalty. What you’re seeing is the governor returning to his original family. These are the same people who stood with Wike when he nominated Fubara in 2023. Many of those now complaining were not even part of the process," the Wike loyalist argued, suggesting that the current reconciliation efforts were aimed at restoring an established political order and acknowledging those who were instrumental in Fubara's initial ascent to power.Following what has been interpreted as a harmonisation meeting, there are strong hints from sources close to the unfolding political drama that Governor Fubara may soon present a list of commissioner-nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation. This potential development is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing his administration and forming a functional cabinet, albeit one that might reflect the new political dynamics forged in the recent meeting.Amidst these intricate political maneuvers, the Rivers Peace Initiative has emerged as a voice of calm and reason, appealing for patience and trust in the ongoing peace efforts. The group describes these efforts as a critical initial step toward achieving lasting stability in the state. In a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Sunday, Obinna Ebogidi, the convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, commended the renewed dialogue among the state's political and community leaders. He urged all involved parties to prioritize the protection of the reconciliation process, emphasizing the need to shield it from politicization.Ebogidi's statement elaborated on the nature of peacebuilding: "Peacebuilding is a process that begins in phases, building confidence, establishing mutual respect, and preparing the ground for broader participation. What matters most is that the conversation has started again, and that leaders are finding the courage to meet, talk, and seek common ground." He passionately urged all stakeholders, political actors, and citizens alike to exercise restraint, reminding them that "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."The unfolding political narrative in Rivers State remains complex and fluid. While the recent meeting signals a potential shift towards reconciliation, the conspicuous absence of Governor Fubara’s loyalists raises critical questions about the depth, sincerity, and true inclusivity of these peace efforts. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal whether this high-level reunion marks the beginning of genuine political harmony or merely another chapter in the long-standing power tussle within the politically vibrant, yet often turbulent, Rivers State.
