President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the president’s private residence in Lagos. This closed-door meeting marks their first official engagement since Fubara’s suspension and the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State earlier this year.
Background to the Crisis
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating insecurity and a breakdown of governance. The president dissolved the elected government, removing Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state House of Assembly. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), a former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed as the state’s sole administrator for an initial six-month period.
The move followed months of political instability and was met with both national and local controversy. Seven opposition governors from PDP-controlled states challenged the emergency declaration at the Supreme Court, demanding a return to democratic rule.
Details of the Meeting
Tuesday’s meeting in Lagos comes after a period of relative silence from Fubara, who had recently voiced public support for Tinubu’s intervention, describing it as “the right call at the right time” to restore peace in Rivers State. Fubara assured Rivers residents that the emergency rule “will soon be lifted,” expressing optimism about returning to office and promising that his administration’s officials would also resume their roles.
Sources close to the presidency indicated that the meeting focused on defusing the political crisis and negotiating terms for Fubara’s potential return before the six-month suspension ends. Fubara is reportedly willing to make certain concessions to facilitate the restoration of democratic governance in the state. There is also speculation about Fubara possibly defecting from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could significantly impact the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political Dynamics and Reactions
The Rivers crisis remains deeply intertwined with the rivalry between Fubara and his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Although Fubara recently claimed to have reconciled with Wike, the latter stated he was not consulted before the emergency rule was imposed and would not have supported it if asked. Both camps are now seeking to court President Tinubu’s favor, with Fubara adopting a more conciliatory tone and Wike maneuvering to retain political control in the state.
Observers note a significant shift in Fubara’s approach, describing him as “born-again” and more pragmatic, urging his supporters to embrace peace and strategic patience. The current negotiations are seen as a test of whether the two estranged allies can reconcile or if Rivers State will remain a battleground for competing political interests.
What Lies Ahead
Presidency sources suggest that broader talks involving Fubara, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are planned to chart a lasting resolution to the crisis. With the possibility of Fubara’s return to office before the suspension’s official end, the coming weeks will be critical for the future of governance and stability in Rivers State.
For now, all eyes remain on President Tinubu as he navigates the complex political terrain, seeking to broker peace and restore order in one of Nigeria’s most vital oil-producing states.
