Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently met with suspended House Speaker Martins Amaewhule and other dissatisfied lawmakers from the state.
Multiple sources reported that the meeting, which took place in Abuja, concluded with Fubara and Amaewhule sharing laughs and camaraderie. This gathering marked the first attempt at reconciliation between the governor and the lawmakers. According to a confidential source, the meeting was productive, and plans are in place for a larger peace discussion to establish terms. The source emphasized Fubara’s commitment to fostering peace and initiating meaningful dialogue.
Fubara was suspended on March 19 after a state of emergency was declared by President Bola Tinubu and approved by the National Assembly to address the escalating political turmoil in Rivers. Following this, the President appointed former Naval Chief Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas as an administrator for six months to facilitate reconciliation among the conflicting political factions. Although Fubara had previously met with his former supporter Nyesom Wike and President Tinubu regarding the situation, the meeting with lawmakers is viewed as a significant advancement toward real reconciliation.
Wike has frequently stated that for genuine reconciliation to occur, Fubara needs to engage with various stakeholders he has upset, particularly the House members whose salaries and allowances he has withheld for over two years.
The Thursday meeting received positive reactions from various stakeholders in the state, including Fubara’s family, with many considering it a promising step forward.
