Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday night convened a high-level, closed-door consultative meeting at the Presidential Villa aimed at de-escalating the protracted political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The late-night session, which lasted several hours, brought together the two principal figures at the centre of the lingering feud that has paralysed governance, divided the state House of Assembly, and threatened stability in the oil-rich South-South state.
According to credible sources familiar with the meeting, the President personally facilitated the talks, seeking to broker a truce and secure a mutually acceptable path forward that would restore normalcy, protect the state’s democratic institutions, and safeguard ongoing development projects.
The gathering is seen as the most direct intervention yet by the presidency in the Rivers crisis, which escalated dramatically after Governor Fubara’s formal defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2025. The move further widened the rift with Wike, who remains a powerful figure in Rivers politics despite his current role as FCT Minister.
Several other prominent political leaders from Rivers State were present at the Villa to witness and support the peace process. Their attendance underscored the collective desire among stakeholders to end the impasse and prevent further escalation that could affect security, investment, and public service delivery in the state.
Following the conclusion of the meeting with President Tinubu, Governor Fubara reportedly accompanied Minister Wike to the latter’s private residence in the Guzape district of Abuja. The post-meeting movement was interpreted by observers as a positive sign of tentative reconciliation and willingness to continue dialogue outside the formal setting.
While no official communique was released immediately after the session, sources close to both camps indicated that the discussions focused on key issues, including:
- Restoration of full legislative functionality in the Rivers State House of Assembly
- Resolution of disputes over local government administration and funding
- Protection of ongoing infrastructure and development initiatives in the state
- Agreement on a framework for political cooperation and mutual respect between the governor and his predecessor
The Rivers crisis has been marked by competing court orders, impeachment attempts, security standoffs at government facilities, and public exchanges that have drawn national attention. Analysts say the prolonged tension has hampered governance, discouraged investors, and created uncertainty in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.
President Tinubu’s intervention reflects his administration’s broader commitment to political stability across the federation, particularly in states critical to national revenue and energy security. The meeting also aligns with ongoing efforts to consolidate the APC’s influence in the South-South region following high-profile defections, including that of Governor Fubara.
Neither Governor Fubara nor Minister Wike has made public statements following the Villa meeting. However, aides from both sides have privately described the engagement as “frank,” “productive,” and “a step in the right direction.”
Political watchers are now awaiting concrete outcomes—such as a joint public appearance, a truce agreement, or visible steps toward reconciliation—to determine whether the late-night talks will yield a lasting resolution or prove to be another temporary pause in the protracted battle.
For residents and businesses in Rivers State, the hope is that the President’s personal involvement will finally pave the way for peace, allowing the state to refocus on development, security, and economic growth rather than political conflict.
As one senior Rivers politician reportedly remarked after the meeting: “When the President calls both sides to the table, it sends a clear message that enough is enough. The people of Rivers deserve peace and progress—not endless crisis.”
Further developments are expected in the coming days as the parties consult with their respective supporters and stakeholders.
