Political allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are moving closer to reconciliation as efforts to end the prolonged political dispute in the state gather momentum.
The latest development followed a meeting between the Magnus Abe-led reconciliation committee of the Rainbow Coalition and Governor Fubara at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The meeting was the second between the committee and the governor within two weeks as political stakeholders intensify efforts to restore unity among the various factions.
The committee also assured members that nobody would be victimised or discriminated against as part of the ongoing reconciliation process, regardless of their past political disagreements.
According to a statement issued by the Rivers State Government House, Abe said the meeting was aimed at further deliberations on the modalities for bringing estranged political leaders together.
The committee was established by Wike as part of efforts to resolve the differences within the political family.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Abe said several engagements had been held to develop a framework for members of the coalition to work together.
He said the committee considered it important to inform Rivers residents about the new political direction, stressing that significant progress had been made towards reconciliation.
Abe said, “I’m sure that Rivers people will be very curious to understand exactly what we have been talking about.
“So, I know that this will be very good news for all Rivers people who are interested in the unity, progress and prosperity of Rivers State. We are all in agreement, and we have made very good progress.
“Our coming together signals a significant shift in the political atmosphere of the state, and we believe that all well-meaning Rivers people will be very happy to see that finally, the peace that all Rivers people crave is here.”
Also speaking, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, praised Fubara for receiving the delegation and providing an opportunity for the various sides to engage.
Nwanosike said the latest meeting demonstrated that the political family was gradually reuniting.
“I’m so excited. The last meeting went well. Today’s meeting went extraordinarily well, and it shows clearly to the people of Rivers State that the family is back; sincerely back, and soon, they will see the working of the Rainbow Coalition.
“We will give the people of Rivers State the dividends of democracy they’ve been expecting from all angles,” he said.
Another stakeholder, Chief Ambrose Nwuzi, said those who supported Fubara had embraced reconciliation, arguing that peace remained the best option for the state.
He described the previous disagreements among the politicians as part of the challenges that could arise in any society.
“Our leader has spoken, and our overall leader has equally spoken and accepted that there is a need for all of us to reconcile. I can tell you that we have reconciled.
“All that we are waiting for is for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to put the seal on the reconciliation process which has been going on for the past few weeks,” Nwuzi said.
Other members of the delegation included the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda, and Tamosisi Jaja, among others.
The latest engagement signals a renewed push to end the political rift that has divided key stakeholders in Rivers State and restore cooperation within the political structure associated with Wike and Fubara.
