According to Premium Times, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, recently paid a visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at his residence in Abuja in a bid to reconcile.
The visit reportedly took place on Friday, April 18, shortly after Fubara met with President Bola Tinubu in London to address his ongoing political rift with Wike—a dispute that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Fubara along with other elected officials for an initial period of six months.
Fubara was said to be accompanied by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba during the visit.
ALSO READ: Oborevwori now party leader in Delta – APC
Fubara was brought to the minister’s house on Friday, 18 April. He prostrated before Wike, held his legs, and called him, ‘My Oga, one source told the publication.
The meeting is said to have extended into the early hours of Saturday, April 19. Although specific details remain undisclosed, sources claim Fubara was urged to rally his supporters, particularly prominent elders from Rivers State, and explain the real cause of his dispute with Wike.
Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting took place but stated he was unaware of what was discussed. Meanwhile, Fubara’s spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi, declined to comment and referred inquiries to the Commissioner for Information, who also did not respond to calls.
THE CONFLICT BETWEEN FUBARA AND WIKE
The conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, began less than six months into Fubara’s tenure and has since fractured the Rivers State House of Assembly. The divide resulted in two factions: 27 lawmakers aligned with Wike and three loyal to Fubara. Fubara backed the three-member faction, arguing that the 27 had forfeited their seats by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Get the most important news on your social media feed
- FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Get the most important news on your social media feed
- FOLLOW US ON X: Get the most important news on your social media feed
However, a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, overturned Fubara’s stance, reinstating the pro-Wike lawmakers as the legitimate assembly. The judgment also suspended federal allocations to the state and invalidated local government elections held under Fubara’s administration.
On March 14, the House of Assembly served Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, with a notice of alleged misconduct, initiating an impeachment process. The allegations against Fubara included unauthorized use of state funds, appointing officials without legislative vetting, interfering with the assembly’s constitutional functions, and withholding lawmakers’ salaries and allowances.
Deputy Governor Odu was also accused of endorsing improper appointments in violation of due process.
The impeachment effort coincided with Fubara’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives, including the dismissal of local council chairpersons—moves seen by some as attempts to de-escalate tensions.
Nevertheless, the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State and the suspension of elected officials have sparked widespread public backlash across the country.
READ MORE: DIASPORA LENS
