In a bid to consolidate the fragile peace recently restored in Rivers State after over two years of intense political crisis, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has renewed high-level consultations with key political stakeholders, including his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The latest in a series of reconciliatory engagements took place on Saturday night, at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and extended into the early hours of Sunday. The closed-door meeting was attended by a large delegation of political leaders believed to be loyal to Wike.
This renewed engagement follows a valedictory meeting Governor Fubara held on Wednesday with members of his cabinet. During that session, he directed commissioners affected by the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers political crisis to step aside, while eight others not impacted by the judgment have resumed duties.
Fubara, Wike Reaffirm Commitment to Tinubu-Led Peace Accord
While details of Saturday’s meeting were not officially disclosed, sources suggest it was focused on reinforcing the peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which helped de-escalate the crisis and avert a full-blown political breakdown earlier this year during a six-month emergency period in the state.
Governor Fubara recently visited President Tinubu in Abuja, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding peace and avoiding a relapse into crisis.
Similarly, in a televised interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Minister Wike restated his support for the peace process and denied any intention to influence the nomination of new commissioners — a stark contrast to 2023, when the majority of the cabinet were holdovers from his administration.
Key Political Figures in Attendance
The meeting drew a broad spectrum of political heavyweights from across party lines and public institutions. Notable attendees included:
- Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly
- Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu
- Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Hon. Dumle Maol, Hon. Major Jack
- Legal luminaries such as Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN), and former Attorneys-General Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN)
- Victor Giadom, APC South-South Vice Chairman
- Chukwuemeka Aaron, PDP State Chairman
- Alwell Ihunda, Mayor of Port Harcourt City
- Former ministers and federal officials including Udi Odom, Emma Deeyah, Boma Iyaye (NDDC), Marcus Nle Eji (South-South Dev. Commission), and Prof. Henry Ogiri (NPC)
- Emeka Woke, Director-General of NOSDRA
- Dr. Sampson Parker, Chairman, Rivers State Hospital Management Board
- Fred Kpakol, Member, HYPREP Board
- Former PDP State Chairman Felix Obuah
- Chidi Amadi, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister
