In a major step toward resolving the political crisis in Rivers State, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has met face-to-face with the suspended Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other aggrieved lawmakers.
The closed-door peace meeting, held in Abuja on Thursday, marks the first direct reconciliation effort between Fubara and the embattled legislators since the political standoff erupted.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the atmosphere was cordial, with Fubara and Amaewhule seen holding hands and sharing light-hearted moments, signaling a potential thaw in relations.
Fubara was suspended from office on March 19, 2025, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing rising tensions and instability. The National Assembly subsequently approved the move and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), former Chief of Naval Staff, as interim administrator for an initial period of six months.
While Fubara had previously held separate talks with President Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Thursday’s engagement with lawmakers is being viewed as the most tangible step yet toward a comprehensive political resolution.
Minister Wike, considered a key figure in the crisis, has repeatedly emphasized that reconciliation must involve Fubara making peace with lawmakers, some of whom were allegedly denied salaries and entitlements for over two years.
Political observers have welcomed the recent meeting as a sign that the warring factions may finally be moving toward dialogue rather than confrontation.
