Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at his Abuja residence in a bid to reconcile, Premium Times reports.
The meeting, which allegedly took place on Friday, April 18, came shortly after Fubara met President Bola Tinubu in London to discuss his deepening political rift with Wike—a conflict that has led to a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Fubara and other elected officials for an initial six-month period.
Sources told the publication that Fubara was accompanied by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Olusegun Osoba. One source claimed Fubara prostrated before Wike and called him “My Oga,” in a dramatic plea for reconciliation. The meeting reportedly extended into the early hours of Saturday, April 19.
While details remain undisclosed, sources say Wike instructed Fubara to reach out to key supporters, including Rivers elders, to explain the real reasons behind their fallout. Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting took place but declined to share specifics. Fubara’s spokesperson referred all inquiries to the state’s Commissioner for Information, who could not be reached.
The political feud between Fubara and Wike—his predecessor and former ally—erupted less than six months into Fubara’s tenure. The Rivers State House of Assembly split into two factions: 27 members loyal to Wike and three backing Fubara. Fubara recognized the smaller faction, arguing the others had lost their seats after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, reversed Fubara’s stance, reinstating the pro-Wike lawmakers, halting federal allocations to the state, and nullifying local government elections conducted by Fubara’s administration.
The House of Assembly subsequently issued an impeachment notice to Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, on March 14, accusing them of misconduct, financial mismanagement, unauthorized appointments, and obstruction of legislative duties.
Although Fubara began complying with court orders, including the removal of local council chairpersons, the federal government’s declaration of emergency rule and the suspension of elected officials in Rivers have sparked national outrage.
