Rivers: Wike, Fubara begin peace talks after reconciliation plea by Fubara

Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, and FCT minister Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and estranged political godfather, have begun peace negotiations to end their long-running conflict.

Recall that the both politicians recently met at Wike’s Abuja residence following reconciliation please by Fubara. 

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The first step in bridging the political rift that has plagued Rivers State was the mediation, which was led by current Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba.

A source who attended the meeting who spoke on the condition of anonymity disclosed that after a long conversation in which Fubara expressed regret for previous deeds, the the governor “prostrated and begged the FCT Minister for forgiveness.”

This is coming after Fubara paid president Tinubu a courtesy visit in the UK after which the FCT minister revealed his intentions for peace further stating his conditions for reconciliation.

Following this, Timothy Osadolor, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, cautioned Fubara against sacrificing Rivers State’s interests for his own benefit.

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Osadolor told news men that while he recognised the value of peace initiatives, he stressed that political motivations should not compromise the state’s integrity.

He said: “The issue began as a personal dispute but escalated into a national matter, involving constitutional overreach,” Osadolor said. “If Fubara’s apology was out of respect for African tradition, that’s fine. But he must not sacrifice the interests of Rivers State for his own position.”

Meanwhile, the APC has commended its leaders for their pivotal role in settling the conflict.

Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s director of publicity, praised the party’s leadership and emphasised that the goal of the peace endeavour was to maintain stability in Rivers State, not politics.