Wike, Fubara In Fresh Reconciliation Talks

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has initiated a fresh move to reconcile with his estranged political mentor and predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Fubara reportedly visited Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at his Abuja residence on Monday for peace talks. Although details of their discussion were not made public, the meeting took place amid renewed calls from some quarters for President Bola Tinubu to lift Fubara’s suspension and terminate the emergency rule currently in effect in Rivers State.

Some of Fubara’s supporters had anticipated that President Tinubu would address the situation in his Democracy Day speech at the National Assembly. Among them, Senator Seriake Dickson expressed disappointment over the President’s silence on the matter, comparing the current administration in Rivers to a military regime due to its leadership by a retired military officer.

Dickson’s comments provoked a sharp response from the Rivers State caucus in the National Assembly. The lawmakers, led by Kingsley Chinda, defended the emergency rule, calling it a constitutional measure to restore order. They stated that the Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, despite his military background, is now a civilian leader.

Chinda said the declaration of emergency was prompted by political instability and executive misconduct, adding that the Supreme Court had affirmed the necessity of such action in its judgment on February 28, 2025. He further criticized Dickson for what he described as misleading and inflammatory statements, accusing him of inciting unrest and misleading Fubara into actions that led to his suspension.

The caucus called on the Senate Committee on Ethics to investigate Dickson’s remarks and warned him to stay out of Rivers State political affairs, urging security agencies to monitor his actions.

Senator Orwell Onyesor added that Dickson should focus on his Bayelsa West constituency, which he represents, rather than interfering in Rivers affairs.

Sources revealed that Fubara’s supporters, known as The Simplified Family, had prepared extensively for his reinstatement during the Democracy Day address. However, their expectations were unmet, with President Tinubu instead submitting names for confirmation of appointments made by Ibas, including members of various state commissions.

Dickson criticized the President’s letter, describing it as undemocratic and accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of reading a provocative document on Democracy Day. He also accused the President of failing to seize the opportunity to restore democracy in Rivers State.

Dickson’s critics responded swiftly, recalling his own undemocratic actions while serving as governor of Bayelsa State. A member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Timi Agala-Omubo, accused Dickson of denying opposition lawmakers their seats and noted inconsistencies in his current stance on democracy.

Sources close to the suspended Rivers State Assembly revealed that Fubara has yet to meet with key stakeholders, including legislators loyal to Wike, despite being advised to do so. A principal officer of the suspended Assembly confirmed that no reconciliation has occurred.

Dr. Chidi Lloyd, former chairman of Emohua LGA, dismissed the significance of Fubara’s potential return without a reconciliatory process. He warned that unresolved issues with the legislature could reignite the crisis.

A former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide also cautioned Fubara against resuming office without proper reconciliation, urging him to take leadership in the peace process.

Fubara had previously visited Wike in April to seek reconciliation and later met with President Tinubu. He publicly thanked the President for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, saying it helped avert chaos.

Despite these gestures, observers note that Fubara’s failure to engage with key political figures may hinder any meaningful progress in resolving the political impasse in Rivers State.