PORTHARCOURT: Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has intensified efforts to sustain the fragile peace recently restored in the state after more than two years of intense political tension.
In what observers see as part of broader reconciliatory moves, Governor Fubara on Saturday night held another round of talks with his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with several political leaders loyal to the minister.
The closed-door meeting, which lasted until the early hours of Sunday, took place at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba. It followed last Wednesday’s valedictory session between the governor and members of his cabinet.
During that session, Fubara directed commissioners affected by the Supreme Court judgment on the protracted Rivers political crisis to vacate their offices, while eight others unaffected by the ruling were asked to resume official duties immediately.
Although details of Saturday’s meeting were not disclosed, political sources suggest both leaders are working to strengthen the peace accord brokered under President Bola Tinubu during the six-month emergency rule that stabilized the state earlier this year.
The renewed dialogue also comes shortly after Governor Fubara’s visit to President Tinubu in Abuja, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to peace and sought presidential counsel to prevent a relapse into political hostilities.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister reiterated his commitment to the peace process, clarifying that he had no intention of influencing the appointment of new commissioners a departure from 2023, when most of Fubara’s cabinet members were inherited from his administration.
Among those present at the meeting were Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, and several influential figures including Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu.
Others included Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Deputy Speaker Hon. Dumle Maol, and House Leader Hon. Major Jack.
Also in attendance were Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, HRM Sergeant Awuse, Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN), and four former Attorneys-General Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN).
Party leaders and other stakeholders such as Victor Giadom (APC South-South Vice Chairman), Chukwuemeka Aaron (PDP State Chairman), and Port Harcourt City Mayor Alwell Ihunda were also present.
Notable participants from across political divides included former Environment Minister, Udi Odom; HYPREP Board Chairman, Emma Deeyah; former federal lawmakers Chidi Wihioka and Chinyere Igwe; and former Speaker Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani.
Others were Boma Iyaye (EDFA, NDDC); Marcus Nle Eji (ED Works/Projects, South South Development Commission); Prof. Henry Ogiri (Federal Commissioner, NPC); Emeka Woke (DG, NOSDRA); Dr. Sampson Parker (Chairman, Rivers State Hospital Management Board); and Felix Obuah, former PDP Chairman.
The peace meeting, according to insiders, signals renewed cooperation among key Rivers political actors and could pave the way for more inclusive governance in the state.
