Rivers Political Standoff: Tinubu Meets Fubara in London

President Bola Tinubu recently held a private meeting in London with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, marking a significant step toward resolving the ongoing political crisis in the state. ​
The meeting, reportedly initiated by Fubara, was the first face-to-face engagement between the two since Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. This declaration led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire state assembly, with Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas appointed as sole administrator.
Sources indicate that Fubara expressed willingness to make concessions to facilitate his return to office before the six-month suspension period concludes. Discussions reportedly focused on restoring functional governance in the oil-rich state. ​
Notably absent from the meeting was Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s estranged political mentor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Reports suggest Wike was not informed of the meeting and is concerned about its implications.
The Rivers State crisis, rooted in a power struggle between Fubara and Wike, has drawn national attention. Seven governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have challenged the constitutionality of the emergency declaration at the Supreme Court, advocating for a return to democratic governance in the state. ​
While official statements from the Presidency remain forthcoming, the London meeting is viewed as a pivotal move toward de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in Rivers State.​

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