Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stepped up efforts to maintain the recently restored peace in the state, following over two years of political tension. To consolidate the calm atmosphere, Governor Fubara met with his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and a larger group of political leaders loyal to the FCT Minister on Saturday night. The closed-door meeting, which lasted into the early hours of Sunday, was held at the Port Harcourt residence of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.
The meeting followed a recent directive by Governor Fubara for commissioners affected by the Supreme Court judgment on the Rivers political crisis to step aside. Eight other commissioners unaffected by the ruling have since resumed their official duties. Although the details of the meeting with Wike and his allies were not disclosed, it is believed that both leaders are working together to uphold the peace accord reached during the six-month emergency rule in the state under President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Fubara’s renewed engagement with Wike and his supporters comes shortly after his visit to President Tinubu, where he reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and sought presidential counsel on avoiding a relapse into political crisis. Minister Wike has also restated his commitment to the peace process, noting that he has no intention of influencing the selection of new commissioners.
The meeting was attended by several prominent politicians, including the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, and Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, and George Sekibo. Other attendees included former ministers, lawmakers, and party leaders, such as Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, HRM Sergeant Awuse, and PDP State Chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron.
The effort to sustain peace in Rivers State is significant, given the state’s history of political tension and its importance as a major oil-producing region. The collaboration between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike is seen as a crucial step towards maintaining stability and promoting development in the state. As the state moves forward, it is likely that the peace accord will continue to be a key focus for the government, with ongoing efforts to address the underlying issues that contributed to the political crisis.
