The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, have initiated peace talks to resolve their longstanding feud.
Sources close to both politicians confirmed to The PUNCH that the two recently met at Wike’s residence in Abuja.
The mediation, facilitated by former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba and the current Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, marked the first step towards reconciling the political divide that has dominated Rivers State.
Fubara and Wike are expected to meet again soon to finalise the reconciliation process.
According to a reliable source present at the meeting, who requested anonymity, the two governors engaged in a lengthy discussion during which Fubara apologised for past actions.
The source disclosed that Fubara, accompanied by the Ogun governors, “prostrated and begged the FCT Minister for forgiveness.”
The political crisis in Rivers State has caused turmoil for nearly two years, primarily driven by the strained relationship between Wike and Fubara.
This deadlock prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state on March 18, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.
This declaration was approved by the National Assembly on March 20, despite significant public backlash.
In response to the state of emergency, 11 PDP governors filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the move.
However, Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Timothy Osadolor, urged Fubara not to compromise the interests of Rivers State for personal gain.
Speaking to The PUNCH, Osadolor acknowledged the importance of peace efforts but warned that the integrity of the state should not be undermined for political reasons.
“The issue began as a personal dispute but escalated into a national matter, involving constitutional overreach,” Osadolor said. “If Fubara’s apology was out of respect for African tradition, that’s fine. But he must not sacrifice the interests of Rivers State for his own position.”
Osadolor also criticised President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, calling it unjustified and constitutionally flawed.
He argued that Rivers State, which has experienced relative peace, was unfairly singled out for an emergency declaration when other states with more significant security concerns did not face similar measures.
On the other hand, the All Progressives Congress commended its leaders for playing a crucial role in mediating the dispute.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, expressed pride in the party’s leadership, emphasising that the peace effort was not about politics but about ensuring stability for Rivers State.
“For APC leaders to broker peace, it shows our commitment to unity and good governance,” Ibrahim stated. “Our party understands the importance of peace in governance and aims to promote peaceful coexistence, regardless of the individuals involved.”