PORT HARCOURT, Oct. 6, 2025 — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike hosted a closed-door reconciliation meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Speaker Martins Amaewhule and top state elders on Saturday night in Port Harcourt, officials said Monday. The meeting is part of efforts to heal a long-running political rift in the state and restore unity ahead of the 2027 election cycle.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The gathering took place at the residence of Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council. Sources who spoke to reporters said the meeting ran into the early hours of Sunday and drew a wide group of political leaders, former officials and federal appointees from Rivers State.

Wike convened the parley as part of a push to show that the state’s political family is united after months of tension that at one point prompted federal intervention. The meeting, attendees said, was aimed at consolidating peace, resolving outstanding grievances and laying the groundwork for closer cooperation among party leaders.

Participants included the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule; several senators and members of the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly; former attorneys-general of the state; and prominent party officials. A spokesman for the FCT minister shared photographs of the meeting on social media and described the gathering as a sign that “the political family is fully united.”

A key issue reportedly discussed was the future of Edison Ehie, the governor’s chief of staff, whose return to the office was widely reported to have been foreclosed by elders during the talks. Sources told reporters that Governor Fubara was advised to consult further with elders, lawmakers and the state party leadership before making wider personnel decisions.

Although the meeting did not produce a public statement detailing specific agreements, attendees said it created space for further consultations and paved the way for Governor Fubara to submit a fresh list of commissioner nominees to the state assembly. Observers said the outcome suggests an incremental, managed approach to reconciliation rather than a single sweeping settlement.

Political analysts in Port Harcourt described the meeting as significant because it brought together previously divided camps around a respected group of elders. “Elders’ councils often play a stabilizing role in state politics,” said a Rivers-based political consultant who asked not to be named. “This meeting shows leaders are choosing consultation over confrontation right now.” (Analysis provided for context; not part of primary reporting.)

Tension in Rivers State dates back to disagreements that followed the 2023 election and intensified over the past two years. That rift led to clashes between supporters of Wike and Fubara, a polarized state assembly and, at one point, a federal state of emergency and temporary federal oversight. The weekend talks come after Fubara’s return from suspension and President Bola Tinubu’s earlier efforts to encourage a truce.

Leaders who attended see reconciliation as important both for local governance and for the Peoples Democratic Party’s standing in the South-South region. Some federal appointees from Rivers were also present, signaling interest beyond state politics in a stable outcome. Observers say any sustained peace will depend on follow-up meetings, clear timelines for outstanding decisions and buy-in from lawmakers and grassroots leaders.

There was no immediate comment from Governor Fubara’s office Sunday night beyond confirmation that he attended. Wike’s media aide posted photos and called the gathering a sign of unity; details remained limited as leaders said they preferred private consultations for now. Reporters will seek direct comments from the principal offices as officials make further announcements.