NIGERIA: Fubara Attends Burial Of Wike’s Uncle Amid Ongoing Rivers Peace Process

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Rivers State suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Saturday joined Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike at the burial of the latter’s uncle in Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The event, which drew key political figures, also saw the presence of suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other dignitaries, marking the first time in months that the feuding leaders were seen together following a bitter power struggle that engulfed the state.

Their appearance comes just days after a peace meeting held in Abuja and brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The high-level dialogue at the Presidential Villa brought Wike, Fubara, Amaewhule, and members of the Rivers Assembly to the negotiating table after months of mounting tension and political breakdown.

In March, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, citing rising insecurity and a collapse of governance resulting from prolonged hostilities among top state officials.

The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly, intensifying the crisis.

Following the Abuja meeting, Wike announced a breakthrough in negotiations, saying both factions had resolved to end hostilities and cooperate going forward.

“We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us. We are members of the same political family,” Wike told journalists shortly after the closed-door session.

Saturday’s gathering in Rumuepirikom is being viewed as a symbolic first step toward reconciliation.