Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara and Speaker Amaewhule held a surprise peace meeting in Abuja.
The closed-door talks may mark a turning point in the state’s long-running political standoff.
Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and embattled Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, held a surprise peace meeting in Abuja on Thursday in what observers have described as a major step toward resolving the prolonged political conflict in Rivers State.
The closed-door engagement, also attended by other aggrieved lawmakers, is believed to be the first substantial reconciliation effort since President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state on March 19. That declaration saw Fubara suspended from office and Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (rtd) appointed as interim administrator to manage state affairs for an initial six-month period.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, the once-bitter political opponents ended the session on a surprisingly friendly note, exchanging handshakes and laughter. The atmosphere, described by insiders as “productive,” reportedly included moments of shared jokes, marking a stark departure from the acrimonious exchanges that have defined Rivers’ politics in recent months.
While Governor Fubara has previously met with President Tinubu and his estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, Thursday’s meeting is viewed as his most direct and impactful outreach to the legislative faction that has consistently challenged his leadership.
Political analysts say the urgency for reconciliation has increased since the emergency rule was imposed, with Tinubu reportedly pressing for a swift and lasting solution. The Rivers impasse has disrupted governance, created legislative gridlock, and deepened internal party divisions.
Much of the tension between Fubara and the Assembly stemmed from accusations that he sidelined lawmakers in decision-making processes and withheld their entitlements for over two years. Wike, a central figure in Rivers politics and long-time critic of Fubara’s handling of the Assembly, had previously insisted on a formal apology from the governor to the lawmakers.
Though the details of Thursday’s meeting remain largely undisclosed, its tone has raised hopes for a possible softening of positions on both sides. Political observers believe the Abuja talks may signal a new phase of negotiations likely to involve further consultations with federal authorities and key state stakeholders.
If successful, the dialogue could lead to the lifting of the emergency rule and the re-establishment of a fully functional democratic structure in Rivers State before the end of the six-month interim period.
As of press time, there has been no official statement from either Fubara or Amaewhule, but insiders suggest that more meetings are expected in the coming weeks.
