Signs of a renewed reconciliation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appear to be emerging, following a high-level meeting of key political stakeholders in Port Harcourt.

The closed-door meeting, held on Saturday night, brought together Fubara, Wike, members of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, the leadership of the state House of Assembly, and several prominent politicians loyal to the FCT Minister, including members of the Rivers National Assembly caucus.

Although details remained sketchy as of the time of filing this report, sources said the meeting was convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.

However, concerns have surfaced over the absence of Fubara?s loyalists, marking the second time such a peace gathering was reportedly dominated by Wike?s camp.

Governor Fubara returned to office on September 18, following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule in the state and the exit of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who served as State Administrator under President Bola Tinubu.

Since his reinstatement, the governor has dissolved the Rivers State Pensions Board and the state Microfinance Agency, both reconstituted during Ibas?s administration.

Among those present at the Saturday meeting were Wike, Fubara, Alabraba, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, House Leader, Major Jack, and Senate caucus leader, Senator Barry Mpigi.

Also in attendance were former and serving lawmakers, including Senators Magnus Abe, George Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu, Wilson Ake, Felix Nwaeke (Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency), and Kelechi Nwogu (Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency).

Other attendees included former NBA President Onueze Okocha (SAN); elder statesman and monarch Chief Sergent Awuse; former Attorneys-General Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, and Worgu Boms; APC Deputy National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Victor Giadom; Rivers PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron; and former Environment Minister Udi Odum.

Also present were Elder Chidi Wihioka, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, Pro-Chancellor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Ikuinyi Ibani; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NDDC, Chief Boma Iyaye;, Chief Marcus Nle Eji, Prof. Ogiri, Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, Dr. Sampson Parker, Dr. Fred Kpakol, and Chief Felix Obuah, among others.

Although the exact agenda was not disclosed, sources close to the meeting said it focused on reconciling Wike?s loyalists with Governor Fubara and fostering cooperation between both camps.

Recall that on September 19, when Fubara returned to the state after his reinstatement, neither members of the State Assembly, local government chairmen, nor known Wike loyalists were at the Port Harcourt International Airport to receive him.

Similarly, during the Independence Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul?s Cathedral, Garrison, last Sunday, most of the figures who attended Saturday?s meeting were noticeably absent.

Last week, the governor officially sacked all commissioners and public office holders affected by the Supreme Court judgment that recognised Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the State Assembly.

The judgment invalidated the appointments of those screened by the faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, a Fubara ally.

A Fubara loyalist, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity, expressed reservations about the meeting, describing it as one-sided.

?It?s like what happened during the emergency rule when we saw pictures of the governor, the FCT Minister, and Martin Amaewhule with President Tinubu in Aso Rock claiming reconciliation,? the source said.?Now again, it?s the same faces, known loyalists of the FCT Minister. Where are elders like Chief Rufus Ada-George, Dr. Gabriel Toby, or High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, who stood by the governor? If this is reconciliation, it should be sincere and inclusive.?

However, a Wike loyalist, who also pleaded anonymity, defended the meeting, insisting it was meant to ?bring the governor back to his political roots.?

?Politics is about loyalty. What you?re seeing is the governor returning to his original family. These are the same people who stood with Wike when he nominated Fubara in 2023. Many of those now complaining were not even part of the process.?

Following what appeared to be a harmonisation meeting, sources hinted that Governor Fubara may soon submit a list of commissioner-nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Meanwhile, the Rivers Peace Initiative has appealed for patience and trust in the ongoing peace efforts, describing them as a critical step toward lasting stability.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the group?s convener, Obinna Ebogidi, lauded the renewed dialogue among political and community leaders, urging all parties to protect rather than politicise the reconciliation process.

?Peacebuilding is a process that begins in phases, building confidence, establishing mutual respect, and preparing the ground for broader participation,? the statement read.

?What matters most is that the conversation has started again, and that leaders are finding the courage to meet, talk, and seek common ground.?

Ebogidi urged stakeholders, political actors, and citizens to exercise restraint, adding:

?No one wins in a divided Rivers State. Everyone stands to gain from a peaceful, stable, and prosperous state where governance and development can thrive again,?he said. (PUNCH)

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