By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again stepped into the deepening political turmoil in Rivers State, convening a late-night meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in what appears to be a fresh attempt to broker peace between the two feuding camps.
The closed-door meeting reportedly took place around 11 p.m. on Sunday at the President’s official residence inside the State House, Abuja. It was also attended by several influential political leaders from Rivers State.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the intervention is part of renewed efforts by the presidency to calm rising tensions that have threatened governance and political stability in the oil-rich state.
Fresh Tensions Resurface
Sunday’s talks come amid renewed disagreements over political control and leadership recognition within the state.
The situation has been further complicated by stalled impeachment moves allegedly being considered by lawmakers against Governor Fubara.
The crisis, which has lingered for months, has continued to divide the state’s political structure, with loyalties sharply split between supporters of the governor and those aligned with his predecessor, Wike.
There have also been reports that the President advised Fubara to acknowledge Wike’s dominant political influence in Rivers politics — a suggestion that has stirred debate given their strained relationship and different party alignments.
A Long-Running Power Struggle
The rift between Fubara and Wike has grown into one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political battles.
Wike, a former governor and now a key figure in the federal government, is widely seen as a powerful political force in Rivers State.
However, since assuming office, Fubara has gradually asserted independence, triggering a fierce contest for control of party structures, lawmakers, and state political machinery.
The rivalry has led to repeated clashes within the State House of Assembly, threats of impeachment, factional politics, and disruptions to governance.
Tinubu’s Repeated Interventions
This latest meeting marks about the fourth time President Tinubu has personally intervened to resolve the standoff.
His continued involvement signals growing concern at the federal level that the crisis could destabilize the state and affect governance, security, and economic activities, especially given Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s oil sector.
Despite earlier reconciliation attempts, lasting peace has remained elusive, with each truce quickly followed by fresh disagreements.
What Happens Next?
While details of the outcome of Sunday’s meeting remain unclear, many observers believe the President is pushing for a political compromise that will allow both camps to coexist and ensure stability.
Whether this latest intervention will finally end the power tussle or merely delay another round of confrontation remains to be seen.
For now, all eyes remain on Rivers State as the political drama continues to unfold
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