President Tinubu Convenes Further Mediatory Talks Between Governor Fubara, Minister Wike

In a renewed effort to broker a definitive resolution to the protracted political volatility in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu hosted a high-level meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa on Sunday.

The discussions, held behind closed doors at Aso Rock, represent the latest intervention by the Presidency to stabilise the oil-rich state following months of administrative paralysis and leadership tensions. Sources within the Presidency indicate that this encounter marks at least the fourth occasion on which the President has personally interceded to reconcile the two political heavyweights.

The friction between the incumbent Governor and his predecessor has been characterised by a fractured state legislature and abortive attempts by several lawmakers to impeach Mr Fubara. The administration remains acutely concerned that continued instability in Rivers State could have broader implications for national security and the critical petroleum sector.

While the specific details of the deliberations remain confidential, eyewitness accounts suggest a possible softening of hostilities. Following the conclusion of the talks at the Villa, Governor Fubara was reportedly observed travelling in the company of Mr Wike to the Minister’s private residence in the Guzape district of Abuja.

This outward display of cordiality, should it be sustained, would signal a significant departure from the public acrimony that has defined their relationship in recent months.

As of the time of writing, neither the Presidency nor the representatives of the two parties have issued a formal communiqué regarding the outcome of the meeting. The absence of an official statement is typical of such high-stakes mediation, where delicate negotiations often precede public announcements.

The political future of Rivers State remains a focal point for the Tinubu administration, as it seeks to ensure that the internal disputes of the governing class do not impede the delivery of public services or the maintenance of order in one of Nigeria’s most economically significant regions.