RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have intensified efforts to consolidate political reconciliation in the state, as the Rivers State House of Assembly reversed its earlier decision to declare the seats of three lawmakers loyal to the governor vacant.
The development followed a meeting between Wike, Fubara and political stakeholders at the governor’s private residence in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Wike attended the meeting alongside members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the state’s 23 local government council chairmen and other political figures associated with the Rainbow Coalition.
The discussions formed part of continuing efforts to resolve disagreements between supporters of the two political leaders and strengthen cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reconciliation process has gathered momentum following Fubara’s public declaration of support for the Wike-led Rainbow Coalition in July.
In a related development on Monday, the Rivers State House of Assembly rescinded its earlier decision affecting three lawmakers who had remained outside legislative proceedings during the prolonged political crisis.
The affected legislators are Victor Oko-Jumbo, representing Bonny Constituency; Sokari Goodboy Sokari, representing Ahoada West; and Adolphus Timothy Oruibienimigha, representing Opobo/Nkoro.
During plenary, the Assembly considered a letter dated October 16 from the lawmakers requesting their return to legislative duties.
They explained that they had not received correspondence directing them to resume sittings following President Bola Tinubu’s earlier intervention in the state’s political crisis.
The lawmakers also apologised for their prolonged absence, prompting the House to accept their explanation and direct them to resume their legislative responsibilities.
Their reinstatement represents a significant development in efforts to restore cooperation within the Assembly after nearly three years of political divisions.
The crisis, which began in October 2023, had created competing political alignments and prolonged disagreements over legislative authority and governance in Rivers State.
Although the latest developments suggest progress towards reconciliation, the full terms of the political understanding between the two camps have not been publicly disclosed.
Attention is now expected to turn towards the lawmakers’ return and the implementation of arrangements intended to sustain political stability in the state.
