President Bola Tinubu held a private meeting with the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in London last week, marking the first face-to-face encounter since the state of emergency was declared in Rivers in March 2025. The meeting, reportedly initiated by Fubara, took place shortly after Tinubu left Paris during his European retreat and lasted several hours.
Sources say the discussions were fruitful, with Fubara expressing willingness to make concessions aimed at easing the prolonged political tensions that have paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state. There are indications that the president may lift the suspension on Fubara before the initial six-month emergency period expires, potentially allowing him to return to office.
A senior presidential adviser revealed that Fubara is also considering switching allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could strengthen Tinubu’s political influence in Rivers State ahead of upcoming elections.
The meeting excluded Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara’s estranged political godfather, who reportedly feels uneasy about negotiations taking place without his involvement. President Tinubu is expected to convene a broader meeting involving Fubara, Wike, and Rivers lawmakers to find a lasting resolution to the crisis.
Recall that on March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state legislature, citing months of political instability and security challenges. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was appointed sole administrator to manage the state during the emergency.
The meeting in London signals a potential thaw in the Rivers political crisis and a step toward restoring democratic governance in the state.