Wike, Fubara, Rivers Elders Meet as Governor Moves to Form New Cabinet

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and some prominent elders of the state in what appears to be part of ongoing consultations ahead of the formation of a new state cabinet. Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the meeting in a social media post and shared a photo showing Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, among those in attendance.

Although Olayinka did not disclose details of the discussions, the meeting marks the first known engagement between Wike, Fubara, and key stakeholders since the governor dismissed several of his loyalists last week. The move is believed to be connected to agreements reached during a peace meeting facilitated by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at resolving the long-running political rift between the two leaders.

Governor Fubara had earlier announced the dissolution of his cabinet during a valedictory session at Government House, Port Harcourt, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment that affected the appointments of his commissioners. The apex court in February upheld the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly faction loyal to Wike, effectively nullifying actions taken by the rival assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, which had previously screened Fubara’s nominees.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor thanked outgoing commissioners for their service and reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the state. He also urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s efforts toward building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

With the Assembly now calling on the governor to submit a new list of commissioner nominees, political observers say Fubara is expected to announce his new cabinet in the coming days, signaling a possible reset in the state’s political landscape.