Rivers State Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike left the Presidential Villa together late Sunday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, signaling a possible thaw in their long-running political feud, presidency officials said.
The two rivals arrived separately but departed in the same vehicle following the president’s intervention, officials familiar with the meeting told reporters.
“Fubara came first, then Wike arrived later. But they both left together in the same vehicle,” one official said, describing the move as a sign that the dispute may have been resolved.
Another official confirmed the meeting but declined to disclose details of the discussions.
Local media earlier reported that Fubara accompanied Wike to his residence in Guzape, Abuja, after leaving the villa.
The meeting marks a potential turning point in the political crisis in Rivers State, Nigeria’s oil hub, which has disrupted governance for nearly two years.
The rift between Wike and his former political protégé began shortly after Fubara assumed office in May 2023. Tensions escalated in October when lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In response, Fubara ordered the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex after a fire damaged the building, relocating legislative sessions to temporary facilities. The standoff plunged the state into prolonged political uncertainty.
President Tinubu first intervened in December 2023, brokering a fragile peace deal under which Fubara agreed to reinstate several political appointees loyal to Wike. The truce later collapsed, and tensions resurfaced.
On March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing insecurity and governance paralysis. The declaration suspended Fubara’s executive powers for six months and led to the appointment of a sole administrator, retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
Emergency rule was lifted in September 2025 following renewed presidential intervention. However, disputes persisted between Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which later issued another impeachment notice against the governor.
It remains unclear whether Sunday’s meeting will lead to a lasting resolution of the Rivers political crisis.
