By Francis Ajuonuma
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have renewed their efforts to reconcile, aiming to consolidate the fragile peace recently restored in the state after more than two years of political tension.
In a fresh move to strengthen calm and unity among political stakeholders, Governor Fubara met late Saturday night with Wike and several of his loyalists at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.
The meeting, which lasted into the early hours of Sunday, came days after the governor’s valedictory session with members of his cabinet.
During the session, Governor Fubara reportedly asked commissioners affected by the Supreme Court’s verdict on the state’s political crisis to step aside, while eight others, who were unaffected, resumed their duties.
Although details of Saturday’s parley were not made public, sources close to both camps hinted that the discussions centred on sustaining the peace accord brokered under President Bola Tinubu’s intervention during the peak of the crisis.
The latest engagement follows Governor Fubara’s recent visit to President Tinubu, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and seeking federal guidance on preventing another political breakdown.
Wike, on his part, had also emphasised his commitment to the peace process during a recent appearance on Channels Television, distancing himself from any role in determining new commissioners, a gesture observers view as a sign of reconciliation and political maturity.
Those in attendance at the meeting included the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule; Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Deputy Speaker Hon. Dumle Maol, and House Leader Hon. Major Jack.
Other dignitaries present were Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, HRM Sergeant Awuse, Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN), and former Attorneys-General Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN).
Also in attendance were APC South-South Vice Chairman, Victor Giadom; PDP State Chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron; Port Harcourt City Mayor, Alwell Ihunda; and other prominent Rivers figures, including Udi Odom, Emma Deeyah, Chidi Wihioka, Chinyere Igwe, Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, Boma Iyaye, Marcus Nle Eji, Prof. Henry Ogiri, Emeka Woke, Dr Sampson Parker, Fred Kpakol, Felix Obuah, and Chidi Amadi
