Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has met with the suspended Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, along with other aggrieved lawmakers in what appears to be a breakthrough in the lingering political crisis in the state.
Multiple sources confirmed on Thursday evening that the meeting held in Abuja ended on a positive note, with Fubara seen holding Amaewhule’s hands as they exchanged jokes and laughter.
The closed-door meeting marked the first direct reconciliation effort between the governor and the lawmakers.
A source familiar with the development told The Cable, “The suspended Governor is determined to make peace. He has started the real engagement.”
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.
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. Cable/Punch