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By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
The constitutional crisis created with the suspension of Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu and members of the state assembly may be grinding to a halt following series of meeting between the embattled governor with President Bola Tinubu in the presence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
The meetings which took place at different locations on Thursday in Abuja signals a major milestone in the efforts by stakeholders and lovers of democracy to find political solution to the contentious state of emergency.
In further attempt to find a solution, President Bola Tinubu met with the governor, and Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule and other members of the state assembly at the state house.
This was first time Governor Fubara was seen with President Tinubu since the president declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18.
Thursday’s meeting appeared to signal a breakthrough in reconciliation efforts, as photographs released after the talks showed the president, governor, and minister smiling together.
Sources at the presidency said that the meeting was further attempt to reconcile the chaos that has paralysed governance in the oil-rich state.
Earlier same day, Fubara met with Amaewhule, along with other suspended lawmakers.
Sources confirmed that the meeting appeared to have ended on a positive note as Fubara was seennholding Amaewhule’s hands as they exchanged jokes and laughter.
The closed-door meeting marked a milestone reconciliation effort between the governor and the lawmakers.
“The suspended Governor is determined to make peace. He has started the real engagement” the source said.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerians that the National Assembly will resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
Akpabio made the statement on Thursday during the commissioning of the Kugbo Taxi and Bus Terminal in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said lawmakers are committed to restoring peace and stability in the state.
“We are determined to ensure that normalcy returns to Rivers State. The National Assembly will work closely with all parties involved to ensure lasting peace and progress for the people,” Akpabio said.
He revealed that efforts are ongoing to address the root causes of the crisis and reconcile all aggrieved parties.
Fubara was suspended from office on March 19 after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State to curb the growing political unrest for an initial period of six months.
The National Assembly ratified the decision, and retired Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas was appointed to oversee governance in the state for six months.
Although Fubara had previously met with Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the meeting with the lawmakers is being described as the most concrete step toward lasting peace.
Wike had repeatedly stated that for any reconciliation to hold, Fubara must reach out to those he allegedly offended, particularly members of the State House of Assembly, whom he reportedly denied salaries and allowances for more than two years.