The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday attended the funeral of Elder Omezurike Onuoha, the uncle of his political rival and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The event, held in Rumuepirikom — Wike’s hometown — brought together top political figures, including Martin Amaewhule, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and an ally of Wike.
The funeral marked a rare moment of public unity amid ongoing political tensions in the state. According to a post by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, both Wike and Fubara, along with Amaewhule and other dignitaries, were present. Their appearance follows recent efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
The gathering came just days after a reconciliation meeting facilitated by President Bola Tinubu. Following the meeting, Wike expressed optimism about the future of the state, stating, “We have all agreed to work together with the governor, and the governor also agreed to work together with all of us. We are members of the same political family.” Fubara similarly thanked President Tinubu for his intervention and echoed sentiments of cooperation.
The political stalemate between Fubara and Wike has destabilized governance in Rivers State since late 2023, with both figures vying for control over the state’s political machinery. The crisis led to impeachment threats, fractures within the state assembly, and political paralysis.
President Tinubu’s intervention came after earlier mediation attempts failed, culminating in a declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025.
Key political stakeholders also attended the funeral, including Senators Allwell Onyesoh, George Thompson Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche; former House Member Hon. Ken Chikere; South-South Vice Chairman of the ACP Victor Giadom; and former PDP Deputy National Chairman Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, among others.
Sources indicate that Governor Fubara is expected to hold a closed-door meeting with his supporters to discuss the outcomes of the recent discussions with President Tinubu and Wike in Abuja.
The funeral gathering appears to signal a potential thaw in relations and a step toward ending the prolonged political impasse in Rivers State.
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