The lingering political rift in Rivers State was evident on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly avoided greeting each other during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
The duo were part of an Ogoni delegation that met with the President to discuss the potential resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
According to a source at the meeting, “Although both Wike and Governor Fubara posed for a photograph with the President, there was no exchange of pleasantries—no greetings, no hugs. They went straight into the meeting, and everyone left immediately afterward.”
The source added that Wike, after the group photograph, returned to his official duties, inspecting and commissioning projects. “As a minister from Rivers, Wike is obligated to attend meetings involving the state and the President. However, the focus of this meeting was strictly business and not the Rivers political crisis,” the source explained.
When asked if President Tinubu attempted to mediate between the two politicians, the source said there was no such discussion. “The President spoke briefly with Magnus Abe, commenting on not seeing him often. Abe replied that he had been working closely with the FCT Minister, and Wike confirmed this.”
This development comes shortly after Wike, during a live television interview, ruled out reconciliation with Governor Fubara until the crisis in Rivers State is resolved.
In a bid to restore peace, the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) has formed a peace committee, led by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, to mediate between Wike and Fubara.
A source close to the committee remarked, “This is a critical opportunity for both leaders to end their feud and prioritize the progress of Rivers State. The ongoing conflict is detrimental to the state, and they must seize this chance for reconciliation.”
