Fubara, Wike, Rivers Leaders Meet Tinubu in Fresh Push to Calm Political Crisis
By Momodu Favour
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday night held a closed-door meeting with key political stakeholders from Rivers State, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a renewed effort to resolve the protracted political crisis rocking the oil-rich state.
The meeting, which took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is believed to be the fourth direct intervention by President Tinubu since the power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, erupted shortly after Fubara assumed office.
Other prominent political leaders from Rivers State were also said to be in attendance, though official details of the discussions were not made public as of press time.
However, indications of a possible easing of tensions emerged after reports by The Nation newspaper revealed that Governor Fubara accompanied Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja, following the presidential meeting.
Political observers have described the move as a symbolic gesture that may suggest a temporary thaw in the bitter relationship between the two former allies.
Sunday’s intervention comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Rivers State, particularly following the issuance of a third impeachment notice against Governor Fubara by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike.
The impeachment process has since been challenged in court, further deepening the political uncertainty in the state.
The crisis has largely centred on a struggle for political control between Fubara and Wike, who remains a dominant force in Rivers politics despite leaving office in 2023.
The rift has led to a divided legislature, repeated impeachment threats, protests by supporters on both sides, and concerns over governance stability in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.
President Tinubu had previously appealed for restraint and dialogue, stressing the need for political stability and good governance in Rivers State. Sunday night’s meeting suggests growing concern at the federal level over the potential fallout of the crisis if left unresolved.
As of Monday morning, neither the Presidency nor the Rivers State Government had issued an official statement on the outcome of the meeting.
Nonetheless, stakeholders across the state and beyond are watching closely to see whether the latest talks will translate into concrete steps toward lasting peace or merely provide a brief pause in the ongoing political confrontation.
