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By Oscar Okhifo
In a move to sustain the calm that has returned to Rivers State after months of political tension, Governor Siminalayi Fubara convened a late-night meeting on Saturday with his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike and an extended circle of their political allies.
The closed-door gathering took place at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba and continued into the early hours of Sunday.
During the session, it was gathered that Fubara officially informed the stakeholders that he had dissolved the state’s cabinet and hinged his reason on a supreme court judgement.
However, the precise agenda of the discussions last night was not disclosed, but sources suggest that both leaders are working to ensure the implementation of the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu during the state’s six-month emergency rule.
This meeting follows a recent visit by Governor Fubara to President Tinubu, during which he reiterated his commitment to maintaining tranquility in Rivers and sought guidance to prevent a political relapse.
Meanwhile, Minister Wike, recently speaking on Politics Today, affirmed that he would not interfere in the selection of new commissioners marking a departure from the 2023 precedent when many appointees were inherited from his administration.
Those present at the meeting included Speaker Martin Amaewhule; Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; federal representatives Felix Nwaeke (Tai/Oyigbo) and Kelechi Nwogu (Etche/Omuma); Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol; House Leader Major Jack; as well as Chief Alabraba, HRM Sergeant Awuse, Chief O. C. J. Okocha (SAN), former Attorneys-General (Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor), and various state party and community leaders.
The meeting signals renewed effort to cement the peace and cooperation necessary for stability in the state amid lingering political tensions.