Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday hosted Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, state legislators and local government council heads at his personal residence in Port Harcourt.
Among those reportedly present was Kingsley Chinda, named in the report as the All Progressives Congress (APC) contender for the state’s 2027 governorship election.
The gathering followed an earlier engagement held roughly 14 days ago, when Wike brought Rainbow Coalition representatives, including Chinda, to confer with the governor.
The latest encounter is regarded as a continuation of dialogue between the two political blocs as they seek to strengthen rapprochement following the restoration of relative calm in Rivers State.
Wike reportedly attended alongside several members of the state legislature, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, as well as chairpersons representing the state’s 23 local government councils.
Details of the discussions were not immediately disclosed. However, sources who spoke to The PUNCH indicated that the visit was intended to extend earlier negotiations, advance peace initiatives and consider possible ways of integrating Fubara’s political allies into the state’s developing power-sharing arrangement.
The governor and the Amaewhule-headed Assembly have been embroiled in a political dispute lasting more than two years, arising from disagreements between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
At the peak of the confrontation, legislators reportedly initiated two separate moves to impeach the governor before President Bola Tinubu intervened in an attempt to resolve the impasse.
The situation deteriorated further in October 2023 when an explosion struck a portion of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex situated along Moscow Road.
As the political turmoil continued, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, initially setting its duration at six months.
The emergency declaration resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy and members of the state legislature.
Tinubu subsequently designated Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator to supervise the affairs of the state during the emergency period.
The appointment transferred administrative responsibilities to the designated official while the elected governor, deputy governor and legislators remained suspended.
The affected officials eventually returned to their respective positions after the period of suspension.
Sunday’s engagement has renewed attention on attempts to improve political relations and maintain stability among the major stakeholders in Rivers State.
Although the participants had yet to release an official account of the meeting’s outcome, the gathering indicates that consultations between the governor and other political figures are continuing.
The outcome of subsequent discussions may determine whether the ongoing dialogue can achieve a durable resolution, encourage productive relations between the executive and legislative arms, and reduce political disagreements before the 2027 general elections.
