Tinubu Intervenes: Wike, Fubara, Rivers Lawmakers Meet to Resolve Lingering Crisis
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu on Thursday spearheaded a crucial reconciliation meeting at the Presidential Villa, bringing together Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and key members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The high-stakes, closed-door session aimed to finally put an end to the protracted political crisis that has gripped the oil-rich state and paralyzed its governance.
The meeting marked a significant development, being the first time Governor Fubara was observed publicly with President Tinubu since the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18. During that decisive declaration, President Tinubu had cited the inability of the state’s leadership to work together and escalating security concerns as reasons for his intervention, which included the suspension of the governor, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly.
Thursday’s discussions appear to signal a tangible breakthrough in reconciliation efforts. Photographs released after the talks depicted a visibly harmonious scene, with the President, Governor Fubara, and Minister Wike all smiling together, a stark contrast to the months of public acrimony and political infighting.
Sources privy to the discussions at the presidency indicated that the meeting was successful in bridging the deep divide between the warring factions. “The meeting helped to reconcile the factions involved in the dispute that has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state,” a presidential source confirmed, expressing optimism for a return to stability and effective governance in Rivers State.
The intervention by President Tinubu underscores the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and functionality to Rivers, a strategically vital state for Nigeria’s economy due to its significant crude oil production. The path forward will now focus on sustaining this newfound understanding and ensuring the full resumption of legislative and executive duties without further disruptions.
