In a major step toward cementing political stability in Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, led state lawmakers and local government council chairmen to a high-level, closed-door meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
​The strategic engagement took place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, held at the private residence of Governor Fubara in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
​The delegation was headed by Chief Nyesom Wike. Key attendees who joined the Minister for the parley included; Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, APC governorship candidate and key coalition figure, Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
All 23 Local Government Area Council Chairmen of Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the Rainbow Coalition Reconciliation Committee, Senator George Sekibo, former representative of Rivers East Senatorial District and Hon. Edison Ehie, former factional speaker and key political stakeholder.
​At the end of the session, attendees emerged exchanging warm greetings and smiles. Speaker Amaewhule and lawmakers were captured on video exchanging handshakes with Governor Fubara, bowing and addressing him as “Your Excellency,” signaling a visible thawing of political tensions.
​Speaking on the outcome and political significance of the closed-door talks, key political figures provided context regarding the ongoing reconciliation efforts:
​Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, noted that the consultations reflect a broader consensus-building effort ahead of the 2027 general elections.
​”The meeting is a continuation of strategic discussions between the leadership and stakeholders in Rivers State to ensure long-term political harmony and accommodate all interest groups within the state’s political structure,” Olayinka stated.
​Senator Magnus Abe, speaking on behalf of the Reconciliation Committee, emphasized that the engagement aims to consolidate the ongoing peace process following months of political friction.
​”Our objective through the Rainbow Coalition is to sustain political unity in Rivers State and ensure every stakeholder works together under a unified political alignment ahead of 2027,” Abe noted.
​The meeting marks the second major parley between both political camps in two weeks, following an initial round of talks on October 7 aimed at resolving the protracted political crisis that previously divided the state assembly.
​With Governor Fubara declaring his support for the political coalition and backing consensus arrangements ahead of the 2027 cycle, Sunday’s meeting underscores a shared resolve among executive, legislative, and local council leaders to move past previous disputes and restore seamless governance across Rivers State.
