The deepening political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly avoided exchanging pleasantries during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
The duo, central figures in the ongoing Rivers State political feud, were part of a delegation from Ogoniland discussing the potential resumption of oil production in the region. However, according to insiders, their interaction—or lack thereof—spoke volumes about the growing rift between them.
Frosty Encounter at the Villa
A source privy to the meeting disclosed that while Wike and Fubara posed for a group photograph with the President, they refrained from exchanging greetings, hugs, or even cordial pleasantries. “No pleasantries, no hugs—just a cold and formal interaction,” the source revealed.
The source further explained that Wike arrived at the Villa, participated in the photograph, attended the meeting, and promptly returned to his duties.
“As a minister from Rivers State, Wike has an obligation to be present whenever the President meets with a delegation from the state. However, the meeting was strictly a business parley focused on Ogoni oil production and had no room for discussions about Rivers State’s political crisis,” the insider added.
President Tinubu’s Interaction
Although there was no formal discussion on reconciliation between the two leaders during the meeting, President Tinubu briefly engaged Magnus Abe, another political figure from Rivers State. Tinubu reportedly expressed concern over Abe’s apparent absence from key engagements. Abe responded that he had been working closely with Wike, a claim the FCT Minister corroborated.
A Crisis Without Resolution
The icy atmosphere between Wike and Fubara follows Wike’s recent declaration in a live television interview that he would not reconcile with Fubara as long as their feud persisted. Wike, who played a significant role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, now finds himself at odds with his former protégé over control of Rivers State’s political landscape.
The political discord between the two has reportedly disrupted governance and created divisions within the state’s ruling party, leaving many stakeholders concerned about the implications for Rivers State’s development.
PANDEF Steps In
Amid the escalating tensions, the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) has initiated a peace process. The group has formed a committee chaired by former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, tasked with brokering peace between the two warring politicians.
“This is a golden opportunity for both leaders to end their feud and focus on moving Rivers State forward,” a PANDEF insider said. “The crisis benefits no one and only hinders the progress and unity of the state.”
Rivers State at a Crossroads
The ongoing power tussle between Wike and Fubara continues to cast a shadow over Rivers State’s political and economic stability. With PANDEF’s intervention offering a potential pathway to reconciliation, the question remains whether both leaders will seize this chance to bridge their differences.
As Rivers State navigates this challenging period, the spotlight remains on Wike and Fubara to put aside personal grievances for the greater good of the state and its people. Whether this reconciliation effort will succeed or merely deepen the divide is yet to be seen, but the stakes have never been higher.
