Premium Times reported that River State Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently visited the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike at his Abuja residence in search of reconciliation.
The visit took place on Friday, April 18, and soon after Governor Fobara met with London’s President Bola Tinubu to discuss his ongoing political crisis with Wike, a conflict that prompted the River State to declare a state of emergency and suspended the first six months of Fubara and other elected officials.
According to reports, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun Governor Olusegun Osoba accompanied Fubara to accompany Vic’s residence.
A source told the publication: “Fubara was taken to the minister’s house on Friday, April 18.
The meeting was reportedly held until the early hours of Saturday, April 19. Details remain strictly protected, but sources said Fobala was directed to collect his supporters, especially the River Elders, and shed light on the true nature of his influence on Vick.
When Wick’s spokesman Lere Olayinka confirmed the meeting, he said he didn’t know what was being discussed. Fubara’s spokesman Nelson Chukwudi declined to comment and asked the commissioner for information, and they did not respond to the call either.
Fubara and his ex Wike fell down less than six months after Fubara took office. Their rifts divided the River State Capitol into two factions, the 27 legislators loyal to Vic and three supporters of Fubara. The governor acknowledged the faction of the three members, believing that others lost their seats after defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressive Assembly (APC).
However, the Supreme Court ruled on February 28, 2025, reversing Forbala’s position and reinstateing the supported professional factions as a legitimate parliament. The ruling also suspended federal allocations to the state and canceled local government elections conducted by the Forbala government.
On March 14, the House of Representatives served Fubara and his agent Ngozi Odu and notified alleged misconduct, paving the way for potential improper each. Legislators accused Forbala of poor management of state funds without legislative approval, failed to properly screen for appointing officials, obstructing the constitutional obligations of parliament and withholding salaries and allowances.
Lieutenant Governor ODU is accused of supporting the illegal appointment without following due process.
The improvisation process coincided with Fubara’s compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, including the removal of the local council chairperson. Some believe his willingness to comply with the court’s ruling is an effort to calm the tension.
But the announcement of emergency rule in the river and the suspension of elected officials has sparked widespread anger among Nigerians.
