Rivers Crisis: Fubara’s Latest Abuja Peace Talks Stir Mixed Feelings

For the second time, photographs and videos have emerged of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside his political benefactor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, departing Aso Rock after another round of peace talks aimed at resolving the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.

Despite these efforts, there was little celebration back home. Observers note that supporters of Wike typically welcome such developments quietly, while backers of Fubara often respond with skepticism or outright disappointment.

Sources disclosed that after Fubara’s suspension, he had met Wike in Abuja and later with President Bola Tinubu in London. Shortly after, Fubara began distancing himself from his core support base, the Simplified Movement, suggesting they were complicating matters for him, which caused key allies to retreat.

Meanwhile, Wike maintained he had no quarrel with Fubara himself, only with certain individuals around the governor and elements within the PDP. Throughout, the Rivers APC faction loyal to Wike, led by Tony Okocha, continued to openly criticize Fubara, declaring that even if he joined the APC, his “sins” would not be forgiven.

When the latest peace delegation to Aso Rock was assembled, it once again raised alarms among Fubara’s allies. Many pointed out that the group did not include notable elders and supporters from Fubara’s camp. Instead, names circulated on social media included prominent figures believed to be aligned with Wike, such as Olaka Nwogu, Tony Okocha, Chibudom Nwuche, Magnus Abe, and others, fuelling perceptions that Fubara was returning to the same political fold that brought him to power.

Although unofficial, widely circulated terms of the reconciliation reportedly require Fubara to complete his first term but forgo a second-term bid, allow Wike to nominate all local government chairmen across Rivers’ 23 councils, and pay outstanding entitlements to the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers—who in turn would drop any impeachment plans.

Reactions remain sharply divided. Critics warn that Fubara risks betraying the hopes of ordinary Rivers people if he sacrifices governance for political peace. Others argue that without stability, no meaningful development can occur.

Political activist Livingstone Wechie defended the governor, noting that power politics often demands difficult concessions and that the younger generation must prepare to shape their future role in state leadership.

Meanwhile, close associates of Fubara largely refused to comment, only acknowledging they were out of the loop. As tensions simmer, some suggest it is up to ordinary citizens and the Simplified camp to decide whether they prefer an impeached governor or one politically compromised by the settlement.