Abuja — In a fresh move to resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday night held a meeting with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The meeting took place at the official residence of the President and marked the second time President Tinubu has personally intervened to broker peace between the two political leaders.
Sources disclosed that the closed-door meeting was fruitful, with President Tinubu firmly urging Governor Fubara to abide by the terms of the peace agreement earlier reached with the FCT Minister. The President reportedly stressed the importance of political stability and cooperation in the interest of Rivers State and the nation at large.
Governor Fubara, who assured the President of his commitment to genuine reconciliation, was said to have left the Presidential Villa in the company of Minister Wike for the latter’s residence in Guzape, Asokoro, Abuja.
The initial peace deal brokered by President Tinubu suffered a setback in December following Governor Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was reportedly facilitated by a serving South-East governor who is currently at political odds with the FCT Minister.
The Rivers political crisis returned to national attention in January after the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. Twenty-six lawmakers loyal to Minister Wike, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, formally issued a notice of allegations against the governor.
Citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, outlined seven allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.
Political observers believe that Sunday’s intervention by President Tinubu could compel the lawmakers to reconsider and possibly abandon the impeachment process, as renewed efforts are made to restore peace and stability in Rivers State.