Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara held a reconciliation meeting with suspended Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other aggrieved lawmakers in Abuja, in what marks a major step toward resolving the prolonged political impasse in the state.

Reports confirmed on Thursday evening, June 26, that the closed-door meeting ended on a positive note, with Fubara and Amaewhule seen holding hands and sharing light-hearted moments—an encouraging sign of reconciliation after months of political tension.

This was the first direct peace engagement between the governor and the lawmakers since the crisis erupted.

Fubara was suspended from office on March 19, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State amid rising unrest. The National Assembly ratified the decision, appointing former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (retd), as interim administrator of thestate for a six-month period.

Prior to Thursday night’s peace talks, Fubara had met separately with President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—who is widely regarded as a key figure in the political standoff.

Wike has repeatedly emphasized that any reconciliation must include Fubara making amends to aggrieved lawmakers, many of whom were allegedly denied their salaries and allowances for over two years.

The latest meeting is now being viewed as the strongest indication yet that a resolution may be within reach.