Tension gripped Rivers politics late into Saturday night as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike convened a high-stakes meeting in Port Harcourt, sparking speculation over the state’s political direction.
The closed-door gathering took place at the residence of elder statesman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba and reportedly extended into the early hours of Sunday. Present were key political figures and loyalists from both sides.
ALSO READ “Why I sacked my cabinet” – Rivers gov. Fubara
Although no formal communique has yet been released, observers believe the meeting was intended to cement alignment between the two leaders following the turmoil in Rivers state.
Earlier this week, Fubara held a valedictory session with his cabinet, during which he asked commissioners implicated in the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s political crisis to step aside, while eight others resumed their duties.
The timing of the meeting is significant, coming shortly after the state emerged from six months of emergency rule under an arrangement brokered by President Tinubu. Fubara had also paid a visit to President Tinubu, reaffirming his commitment to peace and seeking counsel to avoid a relapse into crisis.
Wike, in turn, recently reiterated in media appearances that he had no intention of influencing the selection of new commissioners — a departure from previous practices when many of the officials under Fubara’s administration had been inherited from Wike’s tenure.
Among those in attendance at the meeting were Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu; House leaders; former Attorneys General; state and national party officials; and other notable figures from both camps.
As details remain scarce, political watchers in Rivers and beyond await clarity on the agenda, outcomes, and implications of this midnight rendezvous between two powerful political actors.
