Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has initiated his first major step towards reconciliation by meeting with the suspended Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other aggrieved lawmakers.

 

Sources confirmed that the meeting took place in Abuja on Thursday evening and ended on a warm note, with Fubara holding Amaewhule’s hand as they shared light-hearted moments and laughter.

 

Described as a significant breakthrough, the private meeting was said to be productive. According to a source close to the talks, the engagement signals Fubara’s commitment to resolving the political crisis in Rivers State.

 

“The suspended governor is determined to make peace. He has started genuine engagement,” the source noted.

 

 

 

This marks the first direct reconciliation effort between Fubara and the state lawmakers since the political turmoil led to a state of emergency being declared in March 2025. The Federal Government, with the approval of the National Assembly, suspended Fubara and appointed Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (Rtd.) as interim administrator for six months to restore order.

 

Although Fubara had previously met with President Bola Tinubu and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, insiders described Thursday’s meeting with the legislators as the most crucial yet in the reconciliation process.

 

Wike, who has frequently emphasized the need for genuine reconciliation, had insisted that Fubara must apologize to all parties he had wronged especially members of the State Assembly whose salaries and allowances were allegedly withheld for over two years.

 

The meeting has drawn positive reactions from various stakeholders across the state. Members of the Simplified Movement, Fubara’s support base, hailed the development as a “step in the right direction” and expressed hope for lasting peace in Rivers.

 

An expanded peace meeting is reportedly in the works, where broader reconciliation terms are expected to be discussed and agreed upon.