There are indications that Rivers State’s suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, may be preparing to soften his stance in a bid to calm the ongoing political turmoil in his state. This shift follows a recent private meeting in London with President Bola Tinubu, during the president’s extended European retreat.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Fubara requested the meeting, which was held discreetly during Tinubu’s 18-day stay abroad. A senior presidential adviser, who spoke anonymously, confirmed to The Africa Report that “Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline.”
Although details of the discussions remain under wraps, insiders suggest that the meeting was a significant step toward resolving the crisis that has stalled governance in Rivers since late 2023. One presidential aide noted that Fubara might consider defecting from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in what appears to be a strategic move to align with Tinubu’s political camp.
“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” another source reportedly told the French publication.
This London meeting marks the first direct interaction between Tinubu and Fubara since the president declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. That action ousted both Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, from office and installed former Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the state’s sole administrator.
The president, in a national broadcast, cited prolonged political instability as justification for the drastic measure, stating that the dysfunction had “paralysed governance” and posed a threat to national stability.
The crisis originally stemmed from a breakdown in the relationship between Fubara and his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Tensions escalated when Fubara oversaw the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex in December 2023. That move triggered a prolonged legal and political battle after 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the PDP to the APC.
The Supreme Court later ruled in February 2025 that the defecting lawmakers remained valid members of the Assembly, calling Fubara’s earlier actions unconstitutional and warning that the state was on the brink of autocracy.
Since the declaration of emergency rule, the Rivers State government has remained stalled. Key legislative processes, including the passage of the 2025 budget, have been frozen. Matters worsened just hours before Tinubu’s emergency declaration when explosions hit two key oil pipelines in Bodo and Omwawriwa areas, which authorities linked to pro-Fubara militant groups.
Though Fubara’s return to power is not confirmed, sources suggest the meeting with Tinubu has opened the door to potential reconciliation. Wike was notably absent from the London talks, and insiders say he is uneasy about any deal reached without his involvement.
Tinubu is expected to hold further discussions with Fubara, Wike, and members of the Rivers State Assembly in the coming weeks to find a long-term solution to the political deadlock.
