President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and a delegation of Ogoni leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, which brought together prominent stakeholders, showcased an atmosphere of cordiality despite the ongoing political tensions between Wike and Fubara. Photos shared by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, captured the two leaders smiling, sparking speculation about a potential reconciliation.
High-Profile Attendance
The meeting was attended by key officials, including:
- Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President.
- Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser.
- Mele Kyari, Group CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
- Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Focus on Niger Delta Issues
The gathering follows increasing calls by civil society organizations for the Federal Government to allocate $1 trillion for the cleanup of the Niger Delta, particularly Ogoniland, and to compensate communities for environmental damage and livelihoods lost due to oil production.
The meeting’s significance is amplified by the enduring environmental challenges in Ogoniland and the Federal Government’s pledge to address issues in the Niger Delta region.
Signals of Unity
The smiles exchanged between Wike and Fubara during the meeting have raised hopes of a possible thaw in their political feud. Once close allies, the two have been at odds in recent months, making their apparent camaraderie at this high-stakes event notable.
Although the details of the discussions remain confidential, the meeting underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering unity and tackling the critical challenges facing the Niger Delta, with an emphasis on collaboration between federal, state, and local stakeholders.
