Wike Sets Up Magnus Abe-Led Committee to Meet Fubara, Rules Out Second-Term Support
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Onah Sunday Nnamdi
ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the establishment of a reconciliation committee headed by former federal lawmaker, Magnus Abe, to engage with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as part of efforts to foster political unity within the state's ruling structure.
Speaking during his monthly media chat with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike disclosed that the committee had already opened communication with Governor Fubara, who has fixed a date for their meeting.
According to the former Rivers State governor, the committee's assignment is to discuss how Governor Fubara and his supporters can be integrated into what he described as the "Rainbow Coalition" in Rivers State.
Wike expressed optimism that the governor's willingness to meet with the committee was a positive signal for peace and political stability in the oil-rich state.
"The governor has already given the committee a date for the meeting, and that is a sign of progress," Wike said, expressing hope that the dialogue would strengthen political cooperation among stakeholders in Rivers State.
The FCT Minister also reflected on the prolonged political crisis in the state, insisting that he did not suffer any personal loss from the dispute.
According to him, decisions taken during the crisis were guided by political realities, including the need to protect the interests and survival of his political family.
Wike stated that political survival and continued relevance informed the decision not to support Governor Fubara for a second term in office, indicating that political support must be based on trust, loyalty and shared objectives.
Although he did not elaborate further on the future of the relationship, the minister maintained that his position was rooted in political calculations rather than personal grievances.
The political crisis in Rivers State began in late 2023 following a fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who played a decisive role in Fubara's emergence as governor in the 2023 general election.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a fierce struggle for political control, splitting the Rivers State House of Assembly into rival factions, triggering cabinet resignations, legal battles and heightened political tension across the state.
The crisis also affected governance, as both camps engaged in disputes over legislative authority, appointments and control of the political structure of the ruling party in Rivers State.
The situation drew national attention, prompting interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other political leaders in an effort to restore peace. While reconciliation efforts produced temporary agreements, disagreements persisted, with both camps continuing to assert their political influence.
In 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following heightened political tensions and security concerns. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, while retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator to oversee the state's affairs.
Subsequent political engagements involving the Presidency and key stakeholders paved the way for renewed reconciliation efforts. In recent weeks, Wike and Fubara have held separate meetings with President Tinubu, raising expectations that lasting peace could return to Rivers politics.
The announcement of the Magnus Abe-led committee is widely seen as another step in the ongoing efforts to rebuild trust between the rival political camps and restore unity within Rivers State's political leadership.
Political observers believe the outcome of the committee's engagement with Governor Fubara could significantly shape the state's political landscape ahead of future elections.
