"Political family is fully united": Wike, Fubara meet Rivers elders

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 11:33 GMT by legit

Wike and Fubara Convene with Rivers Elders – A Message of Unity for the State’s Political Families

In a rare show of solidarity, Governor Chukwuemeka Wike and his political ally, Chief Fubara, convened a meeting with a panel of Rivers State’s traditional rulers and political leaders on Thursday, October 2. The gathering, which took place in Port Harcourt’s State Government House, aimed to reaffirm the unity of the state’s political families as they face a crowded political landscape in the run‑up to the 2023 local government and gubernatorial elections.

Why the Meeting Matters

Rivers State has long been a cauldron of political intrigue, with rivalries among influential families shaping every election cycle. The Wike family, rooted in the Ogba community, and the Fubara family, from the Eleme/Bonny hinterland, have been at odds for years over party leadership and candidate nominations. Yet, this meeting underscored a growing consensus that a unified front is essential to counter the challenges that plague the state – from infrastructural decay to security concerns and the looming “oil‑plus‑gas” crisis that threatens local communities.

“Political unity is not a political slogan; it’s a survival strategy for Rivers State,” Governor Wike told the assembled elders. “We must put aside personal ambitions and align our efforts for the greater good of our people.” His comments came after months of speculation that the two families would remain split ahead of the upcoming primaries, which have already been mired in legal disputes.

Chief Fubara, whose role as the Chair of the Rivers State PDP’s “Political Families” committee has been pivotal in bridging party factions, echoed the Governor’s sentiment. “For too long, our state has been divided by internal squabbles. Today, we signal to our constituents that we’re united, that we’re willing to collaborate, and that we’re committed to building a prosperous Rivers State,” he declared.

The Assembly of Elders

The meeting was attended by a host of traditional rulers and political elders who represent the three main ethnic groups in Rivers – the Ijaw, the Kalabari, and the Ogoni. Among the dignitaries were:

• Chief Nwaogu of Eleme – a key elder in the Eleme community and a long‑time confidant of both Wike and Fubara.
• Chief Boro of Bonny – a respected Kalabari figure who has often mediated between rival political camps.
• Chief Ekanem of Port Harcourt – a traditional authority from the city who has previously urged political leaders to focus on development.

These elders brought with them a symbolic gesture: the hand‑shaking of the “Elder’s Sign” – a customary display of unity in Rivers culture. The act was broadcast live on several local radio stations, reinforcing the message of a united front.

Key Agenda Items

While the meeting’s overarching theme was unity, several concrete agenda items were discussed:

1. Coordinating Campaign Messages – The political families agreed to synchronize their campaign strategies, ensuring that messaging around development, security, and job creation remains consistent across party lines. Wike highlighted the need for “clear, non‑polarized communication” to win over the increasingly disillusioned youth demographic.

2. Managing the Oil‑Plus‑Gas Crisis – A joint taskforce will be formed to engage with the federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigeria Content Development and Regulatory Agency (NCDRA). The aim is to secure more equitable revenue sharing for the Niger Delta communities, especially those most affected by oil spills.

3. Securing Peaceful Elections – Recognizing the high stakes, the elders stressed the importance of peaceable electoral processes. They will work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Police to mitigate incidents of violence that have plagued past elections.

4. Strengthening Local Government Administration – The meeting reaffirmed a commitment to capacity building at the LG level. The state will provide training and resources to improve local governance, ensuring that development projects reach the grassroots.

Reactions from the Political Landscape

The political community has largely welcomed the meeting. The national PDP leadership has lauded the effort as a “significant step toward national unity.” Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) – which has been gaining traction in parts of Rivers – expressed cautious optimism. “It’s encouraging to see a bipartisan dialogue, but we must watch how the dynamics unfold on the ground,” remarked a senior APC strategist.

Outside of the political arena, civil society groups and development NGOs have also commented on the meeting’s implications. “A unified political front can accelerate the delivery of critical services to the people,” said the head of the Rivers State Civil Society Coalition. “However, the true test will be how this unity translates into concrete policy outcomes.”

What Comes Next?

The next milestone is the state’s scheduled political primaries, slated for early November. Both Wike and Fubara have pledged to support the elected candidate regardless of party affiliation, a pledge that could shift the political calculus for many aspirants. The meeting also set the groundwork for a “State Development Accord” that will outline specific budgetary allocations and project timelines for the next fiscal year.

In the lead‑up to the primaries, the two families will likely hold smaller, more focused meetings with their respective factions to iron out internal differences. Meanwhile, the elders will continue to play a mediating role, ensuring that the unity demonstrated on October 2 does not dissipate under the pressures of campaign politics.

Final Thoughts

The meeting between Governor Wike, Chief Fubara, and the elders of Rivers State is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a deliberate attempt to recalibrate the political trajectory of a state that has long been riddled with factionalism. By bringing together the state’s most influential families and traditional authorities, the leaders signaled that unity can be achieved without compromising political ambition.

Whether this unity will survive the turbulent terrain of the 2023 elections remains to be seen. Yet, for now, Rivers State enjoys a moment of hope – a reminder that the best path forward is paved with collaboration, consensus, and a shared vision for prosperity.