The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, paid a visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at his Abuja home recently, as reported by Premium Times, to seek reconciliation.
According to the publication, the visit occurred on Friday, 18th April, shortly after Governor Fubara met with President Bola Tinubu in London to discuss his ongoing political crisis with Wike. This conflict led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Fubara and other elected officials for an initial period of six months.
Fubara was reportedly accompanied to Wike's residence by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba.
"Fubara was taken to the minister's house on Friday, 18th April. He prostrated himself before Wike, held his legs, and called him 'My Oga'," a source told the publication.
The meeting reportedly continued into the early hours of Saturday, 19th April. Details are being kept secret, but sources say Fubara was told to gather his supporters, particularly Rivers elders, and explain the true nature of his disagreement with Wike.
While Wike's spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting, he said he didn't know what was discussed. Fubara's spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi, declined to comment, directing inquiries to the Commissioner for Information, who also didn't respond to calls.
Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, fell out less than six months after Fubara took office. Their disagreement split the Rivers State House of Assembly into two factions – 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, and three supporting Fubara. The governor recognised the three-member faction, arguing the others had lost their seats after switching from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the Supreme Court judgment on 28th February 2025 reversed Fubara's position, reinstating the pro-Wike faction as the legitimate assembly. The ruling also suspended federal funding to the state and cancelled local government elections held by Fubara's administration.
On 14th March, the House of Assembly served Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, with a notice of alleged misconduct, potentially leading to impeachment. The lawmakers accused Fubara of mismanaging state funds without parliamentary approval, appointing officials without proper vetting, obstructing the assembly's constitutional duties, and withholding salaries and allowances.
Deputy Governor Odu was accused of supporting illegal appointments without following proper procedures.
The impeachment process happened at the same time as Fubara's compliance with Supreme Court rulings, including removing local council chairpersons. His willingness to obey the court's decisions was seen by some as an attempt to ease tensions.
However, the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers and the suspension of elected officials have caused widespread outrage among Nigerians.