Rivers crisis: Fubara reportedly visits Wike in Abuja, begs for forgiveness

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has held a closed-door meeting with his political rival and former governor, Nyesom Wike, in a fresh bid to resolve the lingering political tension rocking the state.

The meeting reportedly took place at Wike’s private residence in Abuja and comes shortly after Fubara’s recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London a move widely interpreted as part of a broader peace initiative.

Sources familiar with the development say the reconciliation process is being backed by the presidency in an attempt to restore stability to the volatile political landscape in Rivers State.

Fubara was accompanied to the meeting by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and former Ogun Governor Olusegun Osoba.

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A source familiar with the meeting said Fubara entered Wike’s home without hesitation. “Fubara walked straight into Wike’s living room because that’s a familiar terrain,” the source revealed.

Another source added, “Fubara was brought to the minister’s house on Friday, 18 April. He prostrated for Wike while holding his legs and calling him, ‘My Oga’.”

An insider confirmed the meeting. “There was a meeting and I can confirm that,” the source stated.

Although Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting took place, he said he was not informed of what was discussed.

Sources say Fubara was asked during the meeting to return to Rivers and “tell his supporters the truth” about the fallout with Wike.

The reconciliation attempt comes after a long-running political rift between the two leaders, which began shortly after Fubara took office as governor in 2023.

The conflict led to a split in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Twenty-seven lawmakers aligned with Wike, while three remained loyal to Fubara. Fubara had dismissed the majority group, arguing they lost their seats after reportedly defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the Supreme Court ruled on 28 February 2025 in favour of the pro-Wike lawmakers, declaring them the legitimate assembly. The court also halted federal funding to the state and cancelled local government elections conducted by Fubara’s administration.

On 14 March, the Rivers House of Assembly issued a notice of alleged misconduct against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, in a move toward their possible impeachment.

Following heightened tension as the crisis deepened, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended both Fubara and the lawmakers for six months.

Meanwhile, there has been widespread public criticism across the country against the emergency declaration.