In a development that is bound to raise eyebrows across Nigeria’s political spectrum, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, last night held a private meeting with suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the United Kingdom. The closed-door gathering, shrouded in secrecy, has sparked fresh debate and speculation about the unfolding political drama in Rivers State and the increasing influence of the former governor in the state's legislative affairs.

The meeting, which reportedly took place at an undisclosed location in London, comes at a time when the political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point. The suspended lawmakers, known to be loyal to Wike, have been at the center of a power struggle with the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who succeeded Wike in 2023. The rift between the two former allies has since escalated into a full-blown crisis, affecting governance in the oil-rich state and drawing national attention.

Though details of the meeting remain sketchy, sources close to the suspended lawmakers revealed that it was convened to deliberate on recent developments in the state and to reaffirm their commitment to a unified political direction. The lawmakers reportedly expressed their grievances over what they described as a "deliberate attempt to stifle dissent" by the Rivers State government and pledged continued loyalty to the FCT Minister, whom they still refer to as the political leader of the state.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the atmosphere at the meeting was both cordial and strategic, with Wike using the opportunity to rally support and possibly map out a roadmap for political resurgence. The presence of high-ranking aides and political associates added to the significance of the gathering, underlining the fact that the former governor remains a key power broker in the region despite his current federal appointment.

Wike, who has maintained a notable silence on the crisis in public, is widely believed to be the architect behind the current faction within the state assembly. His relationship with Governor Fubara has deteriorated over time, with multiple attempts at reconciliation falling through. Analysts point to Wike’s efforts to retain control over the state’s political machinery as the root cause of the ongoing rift. Fubara, on his part, has steadily moved to assert his independence, a move that has alienated him from many of his predecessor’s loyalists.

The political tension reached a crescendo late last year when 27 lawmakers, said to be under Wike's influence, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that sparked legal battles and a wave of suspension announcements. The Rivers State government responded swiftly, suspending the lawmakers and accusing them of attempting to destabilize the administration. The courts were dragged into the fray, and the political atmosphere in the state has remained volatile ever since.

Last night's UK meeting is now being viewed as a strategic countermove by Wike to consolidate the loyalty of his political allies and possibly prepare for the next phase of the battle for political dominance in Rivers State. Political watchers believe the timing of the meeting, coupled with its international setting, signals a calculated show of strength and influence beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The Rivers State government has yet to respond officially to the development, but insiders suggest that the Governor’s camp is not taking the meeting lightly. A source within the state government described the UK gathering as “an act of political desperation” and warned that such moves would only further destabilize the fragile peace currently being maintained in the state.

Meanwhile, public opinion in Rivers State remains divided. While some residents see the suspended lawmakers as traitors seeking to undermine the will of the people, others believe they are victims of political intolerance and are being punished for their loyalty to Wike. The former governor still commands considerable grassroots support in the state, especially among political loyalists who credit him with transforming the state during his tenure.

National political actors are also closely watching the situation. The PDP, already grappling with internal divisions, may find itself further weakened if the crisis in Rivers is not resolved amicably. The APC, on the other hand, has kept its distance, but sources say the party is keeping the door open for possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts argue that the crisis in Rivers State represents a larger struggle for control within Nigeria’s federal structure, where powerful former governors often continue to wield enormous influence long after leaving office. Wike, now in Abuja as FCT Minister, has consistently demonstrated his ability to pull strings in his home state, often eclipsing the political authority of his successor. His UK meeting with suspended lawmakers is likely to be seen as yet another proof of his enduring clout.

As the dust settles from this latest development, the coming days are expected to bring more reactions and possibly escalations. Legal battles are still pending, and with both camps digging in their heels, a resolution seems far off. Political observers believe that unless a genuine reconciliation is brokered between Wike and Fubara, Rivers State may continue to experience instability, with consequences for development and governance.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Nyesom Wike and his loyalists. The London meeting has sent a clear message that the former governor is not backing down. Whether this move will strengthen his political grip or further alienate him from mainstream politics remains to be seen. One thing is certain—Rivers politics is entering a new and unpredictable phase, and the rest of the country is watching closely.