Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta Forum Meets Wike, Fubara Over Political Standoff

Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara

Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta Forum Meets Wike, Fubara Over Political Standoff

The Niger Delta Forum (NDF) has stepped up efforts to end the lingering Rivers State political crisis by holding separate high-level meetings with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The meetings, held in Abuja and Port Harcourt, are part of a broader peace and reconciliation initiative aimed at restoring political stability and effective governance in the oil-rich state.

According to the forum, the intervention became necessary as the prolonged face-off between Wike and Fubara continues to fuel divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly, disrupt governance and heighten political tension across the state.

“Rivers State is too strategic to be held down by political disagreements. All parties must put the interest of the people first and embrace dialogue,” an NDF representative said.

Legislative Crisis, Court Battles Persist

The Rivers crisis has been marked by a deepening power struggle between factions loyal to the former governor and those aligned with Governor Fubara. The dispute has led to parallel legislative claims, legal battles and repeated threats of impeachment and counter-impeachment within the Assembly.

Wike, Fubara Signal Cautious Readiness for Peace

Sources close to the talks said both Wike and Fubara indicated a willingness to explore dialogue, though each side maintained firm political positions. Wike reportedly stressed the need to respect party structures and legislative authority, while Fubara reiterated his commitment to governing without external control.

Political analysts say the NDF’s intervention adds momentum to earlier mediation efforts by Niger Delta elders, traditional rulers and party stakeholders who have repeatedly called for calm.

Concerns Over Niger Delta Stability

The Niger Delta Forum warned that continued instability in Rivers State could negatively affect regional security, oil production and investor confidence in the Niger Delta. The group urged the Presidency, national party leaders and other stakeholders to support ongoing peace efforts.

The forum said it would continue consultations with all parties, expressing optimism that sustained dialogue could de-escalate tensions and restore stability in Rivers State.