Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, may be preparing to make political concessions following a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London, signaling a possible softening of his stance amid the ongoing crisis in the state.
Sources confirmed to The Africa Report that the meeting, which occurred during President Tinubu’s 18-day retreat in Europe, was requested by Fubara, who assumed office in May 2023. Though details of the closed-door discussion remain unclear, a senior presidential aide disclosed that Fubara “pledged to make certain concessions in a bid to ease tensions.”
“It is true. Governor Fubara met privately with the president last week. He has promised to compromise on key issues, and ongoing negotiations could see his suspension lifted before the six-month deadline,” the aide revealed on condition of anonymity.
Another insider hinted that Fubara may be considering a defection from the opposition 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 future elections.
“If Fubara joins the APC, it would significantly improve the president’s prospects in Rivers State,” the source added.
This meeting marks the first direct engagement between the two leaders since President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. The declaration suspended both Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and installed former Navy Chief, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator.
Tinubu cited “months of intense political instability” and a breakdown in governance, largely driven by the power tussle between Fubara and his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis intensified after Fubara ordered the demolition of the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023, sparking legal and political battles. The situation worsened when 27 pro-Wike lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC, leading to a legal challenge. The Supreme Court ruled in February 2025 that the lawmakers retained their seats and declared Fubara’s actions unconstitutional.
Rivers State’s government has remained paralyzed, with the 2025 Appropriation Bill still pending and cooperation between the executive and legislature at a standstill.
Further compounding the crisis were twin explosions in late March that damaged sections of the Trans Niger Pipeline and another in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA. Security briefings suggested militant involvement, reportedly in support of Fubara, raising national security concerns.
Although no official statement has been released, insiders believe the London meeting may pave the way for Fubara’s early reinstatement and a return to democratic governance. President Tinubu is also expected to hold a broader meeting with Fubara, Wike, and the state’s lawmakers to seek a lasting resolution to the crisis.
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