The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, held a closed-door meeting with the Rivers State Elders Council in Port Harcourt on Saturday, signaling what appears to be an effort at political reconciliation or unity within the state.
Also present at the meeting were the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and the Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba. Other prominent political figures and stakeholders from the state reportedly attended the gathering, although their names were not officially disclosed.
Photos from the event were shared on social media by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and New Media. Posting via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday morning, Olayinka stated that the “political family” in Rivers State is “fully united.” His post included group photos showing Wike, Fubara, and other officials in what appeared to be a cordial atmosphere.
The exact agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, and no official statement was issued regarding the topics discussed or any decisions reached. This has left room for speculation about the purpose of the gathering, especially considering recent political developments in the state.
Rivers State has experienced significant political turbulence in recent months, much of it centered on the strained relationship between Wike, the immediate past governor, and his successor, Fubara. Political observers have noted growing tensions between factions aligned with both men, which escalated earlier in the year.
The situation in the state reached a peak on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing rising political instability and governance challenges. The emergency rule lasted for six months, during which the state’s democratic institutions were suspended. Fubara was reinstated as governor on September 18, 2025, following the expiration of the emergency period.
Against this backdrop, Saturday’s meeting is being interpreted by some as a potential step toward reconciliation among political stakeholders in the state, possibly brokered or encouraged by national leadership or party figures. However, without concrete details from those present, it remains unclear whether the meeting achieved any meaningful resolution or simply served as a public show of unity.
As of now, no follow-up statement has been released by either the FCT Ministry or the Rivers State Government. Attempts to reach aides for clarification have not yielded responses. Political analysts believe that whatever discussions took place behind closed doors could have significant implications for the political climate in Rivers State, particularly in the lead-up to future elections.
The meeting also drew attention on social media, with many Nigerians reacting to the images and statements shared. While some welcomed the apparent unity, others expressed skepticism, citing past unresolved conflicts and political rivalries within the state.
More details on the outcome of the meeting are expected in the coming days.
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