“The Family is back” — Wike, Fubara camps reconcile in Rivers

Political allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the camp of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, appear to be moving closer to reconciliation as efforts to end the prolonged political dispute in the state gather momentum.

The latest development came on Sunday when members of the Rainbow Coalition reconciliation committee met with Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The committee said none of its members, regardless of their previous political disagreements, would be victimised or discriminated against as efforts continue to restore unity within the political family.

Reconciliation committee meets Fubara

The meeting was the second time the Magnus Abe-led committee had met with Fubara within two weeks.

According to the Rivers State Government, the meeting was aimed at allowing previously estranged political leaders to further discuss the modalities for the ongoing peace and reconciliation process.

The committee was established by Wike, the leader of the political group.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Mr Magnus Abe said the committee had been holding consultations on how members of the political family could work together again.

He said the explanation was necessary because the committee wanted Rivers residents to understand the new political direction emerging in the state.

“I’m sure that Rivers people will be very curious to understand exactly what we have been talking about,” Mr Abe said.

He described the development as potentially significant for the state.

“So, I know that this will be very good news for all Rivers people who are interested in the unity, progress and prosperity of Rivers State. We are all in agreement, and we have made very good progress,” he said.

Wike allies signal return of political unity

Mr Abe said the coming together of the rival camps represented a major change in the political atmosphere of Rivers State.

“Our coming together signals a significant shift in the political atmosphere of the state, and we believe that all well-meaning Rivers people will be very happy to see that finally, the peace that all Rivers people crave is here,” he said.

The development is significant because the political dispute between Wike and Fubara has dominated Rivers politics since 2023, creating divisions within the political structure that previously worked together.

For residents, the prospect of reconciliation could mean less political tension and greater attention to governance, development and other issues directly affecting their daily lives.

‘The family is back’

The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, South-South Zone, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, who was part of the delegation, praised Fubara for receiving the committee.

Mr Nwanosike said the latest meeting showed that the political family was moving towards genuine reconciliation.

“I’m so excited. The last meeting went well. Today’s meeting went extraordinarily well, and it shows clearly to the people of Rivers State that the family is back; sincerely back, and soon, they will see the working of the Rainbow Coalition,” he said.

He also promised that the political group would focus on delivering what residents expect from the government.

“We will give the people of Rivers State the dividends of democracy they’ve been expecting from all angles,” Mr Nwanosike said.

Stakeholders agree to make peace

Another stakeholder at the meeting, Chief Ambrose Nwuzi, said members of the group who supported Fubara had agreed to embrace reconciliation.

He described the previous disagreements as part of the conflicts that can occur within human societies.

“Our leader has spoken, and our overall leader has equally spoken and accepted that there is a need for all of us to reconcile. I can tell you that we have reconciled,” Mr Nwuzi said.

He, however, indicated that the final stage of the reconciliation process would require Wike’s formal endorsement.

“All that we are waiting for is for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to put the seal on the reconciliation process which has been going on for the past few weeks,” he said.

What reconciliation could mean for Rivers

The emerging rapprochement could have significant implications for Rivers State politics, particularly as political parties and their supporters position themselves for the 2027 general elections.

A return to political cooperation between the Wike and Fubara camps could reduce longstanding divisions and potentially create a stronger political structure for the Rainbow Coalition.

For ordinary Rivers residents, however, the real test will be whether the political reconciliation translates into improved governance, greater stability and attention to issues such as infrastructure, employment, security and economic opportunities.

Other members of the delegation included the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda, and Mr Tamosisi Jaja, among others.

The reconciliation process is expected to continue, with stakeholders awaiting Wike’s final endorsement of the emerging agreement.