Rivers Political Leaders, Elders Convene for Peace in Port Harcourt

Key Figures Meet to Foster Unity

In a significant development aimed at consolidating peace and unity in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, met with incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other prominent political leaders. The high-profile gathering, which included the Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, took place in Port Harcourt on Saturday, October 4, 2025. This meeting signals a concerted effort to resolve the protracted political tensions that have gripped the state.

Background to the Protracted Crisis

The reconciliation efforts come after months of intense political rivalry between Wike and Fubara, a dispute that commenced around October 2023. This power struggle led to considerable instability within Rivers State, characterized by legal battles, legislative challenges, and a significant disruption to governance. The crisis escalated to a point where President Bola Tinubu intervened, declaring a six-month state of emergency that saw the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly. The state of emergency was subsequently lifted on September 18, 2025, leading to the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the State Assembly.

A United Front for Rivers State

The meeting, held in the state capital, was confirmed by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister. Olayinka shared images from the event, stating that the 'Political Family is fully united.' This gathering is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first known meeting involving all political leaders from Wike's faction with Governor Fubara since the lifting of the emergency rule. The presence of key figures like Chief Ferdinand Alabraba and Martins Amaewhule underscores the broad-based commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Elders' Role and Future Outlook

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has played a crucial role throughout the crisis, consistently advocating for peace and reconciliation. The forum had previously expressed satisfaction with the reconciliation efforts and had called for the lifting of the state of emergency and the full restoration of democratic structures. While specific resolutions from the latest meeting were not immediately disclosed to the public, it is understood that the formation of a new cabinet, following Governor Fubara's recent disengagement of loyalists, remains a key aspect of the ongoing peace process. This meeting is widely viewed as a major political truce, paving the way for renewed focus on governance and development in Rivers State.