President Bola Tinubu on Monday met separately and jointly with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a renewed effort to resolve the protracted political crisis in Rivers State.

Credible sources at the Presidency told The Punch that the closed-door meeting was part of behind-the-scenes reconciliation moves aimed at ending months of tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Mr Wike, whose political disagreement has sharply divided the state’s political structure.

Although official details of the meeting were not disclosed, multiple sources familiar with the discussions said President Tinubu urged both parties to sheath their swords in the interest of peace, governance and stability in Rivers State.

A senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, said the President emphasised the need for unity within the ruling political family and warned against actions capable of undermining democratic institutions in the state.

“The President made it clear that Rivers State cannot afford prolonged political instability.

“He appealed to both sides to put the interest of the people above personal and factional disputes,” the source said.

Another source close to the meeting disclosed that Mr Fubara expressed willingness to mend fences and move forward, describing the talks as “frank and conciliatory.”

The source added that the governor acknowledged the role of political elders in resolving the crisis and signalled readiness for reconciliation.

Speculation that the governor openly pleaded with Mr Wike could not be independently confirmed; however, insiders said the atmosphere of the meeting suggested a softening of positions and a renewed commitment to dialogue.

Mr Wike, who has remained a central figure in Rivers politics despite joining the Federal Executive Council, was said to have reiterated his demand for political loyalty and respect for existing party structures, while also expressing openness to peace if agreements reached were honoured.

As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the parties involved had issued an official statement on the outcome of the meeting, but sources said further engagements are expected in the coming days to consolidate the peace process.

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