The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, recently visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at his Abuja residence to seek reconciliation, Premium Times reports.
According to the publication, the visit took place on Friday, 18 April, shortly after Governor Fubara met with President Bola Tinubu in London to discuss his ongoing political crisis with Wike, a conflict that prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Fubara and other elected officials for an initial six-month period.
Fubara was reportedly accompanied to Wike’s residence by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba.
“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 reportedly lasted into the early hours of Saturday, 19 April. Details remain closely guarded, but sources say Fubara was instructed to gather his supporters, particularly Rivers elders, and clarify the true nature of his fallout with Wike.
While Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting, he said he was unaware of what was discussed. Fubara’s spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi, declined to comment, directing inquiries to the Commissioner for Information, who also did not respond to calls.
Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, fell out less than six months after Fubara assumed office. Their rift divided the Rivers State House of Assembly into two factions—27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, and three backing Fubara. The governor recognised the three-member faction, arguing the others had lost their seats after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the Supreme Court judgment on 28 February 2025 reversed Fubara’s position, reinstating the pro-Wike faction as the legitimate assembly. The ruling also suspended federal allocations to the state and nullified local government elections conducted by Fubara’s administration.
On 14 March, the House of Assembly served Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, with a notice of alleged misconduct, paving the way for a potential impeachment. The lawmakers accused Fubara of mismanaging state funds without legislative approval, appointing officials without proper screening, obstructing the assembly’s constitutional duties, and withholding salaries and allowances.
Deputy Governor Odu was accused of supporting illegal appointments without following due process.
The impeachment process coincided with Fubara’s compliance with Supreme Court rulings, including the removal of local council chairpersons. His willingness to obey the court’s decisions was seen by some as an effort to calm tensions.
However, the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers and the suspension of elected officials have triggered widespread outrage among Nigerians.
