By John Umeh
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday night appeared to have eased tensions in Rivers State politics after Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were seen leaving the Presidential Villa together following a closed-door meeting.
Sources within the Presidency confirmed that although both men arrived at Aso Rock separately, they departed in the same vehicle after meeting with the President, a development viewed as a strong signal of reconciliation after months of political hostility.
Officials familiar with the meeting described the outcome as a breakthrough, suggesting that Tinubu’s intervention may have succeeded in calming the bitter feud between the two influential Rivers politicians.
“Governor Fubara arrived first. Wike came later. But after the President spoke with them, they both left together,” one source disclosed. “That alone tells you something has changed.”
Another insider confirmed the engagement but declined to reveal details of the discussions. “Yes, the meeting took place last night. The President spoke with both of them. What exactly was said remains confidential, but the tension has clearly reduced,” the source said.
Earlier reports indicated that after leaving the Villa, Governor Fubara accompanied Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja, further reinforcing speculation that both sides may have agreed to bury the hatchet.
The development could mark a major shift in the prolonged political crisis that has disrupted governance in Rivers State for nearly two years.
The rift between Wike and Fubara, his former political ally, erupted shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. Relations quickly deteriorated, plunging the state into a fierce power struggle that soon spread to the House of Assembly.
The crisis escalated in October 2023 when lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor. In response, the Fubara administration demolished the Assembly complex following a controversial fire incident and relocated legislative sittings to an alternative venue.
Despite an initial attempt by President Tinubu to restore calm in December 2023—resulting in a fragile peace deal and political concessions—the truce collapsed within months, reigniting tensions.
The situation worsened in March 2025 when Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing worsening insecurity and administrative breakdown. The declaration temporarily stripped the governor of executive authority and led to the appointment of a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff.
Normal governance was restored in September 2025 after the President lifted the emergency rule, but political instability persisted, with renewed clashes between Governor Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, including fresh impeachment threats.
Sunday’s meeting at the Presidential Villa now raises cautious optimism that sustained dialogue—under Tinubu’s mediation—could finally steer Rivers State away from prolonged political uncertainty.
