Indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu met with suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in London during the President’s working visit to the United Kingdom.

According to Vanguard, the meeting was reportedly initiated by Governor Fubara, though the Presidency has declined to comment on the matter, keeping tight-lipped despite multiple inquiries.

Sources familiar with the development described the encounter as the first face-to-face meeting between Tinubu and Fubara since the President invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on March 18, 2024. That action led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly.

In a national broadcast on the same day, President Tinubu cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability” as the reasons for his drastic decision. He also appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator of the state.

Presidency insiders say the London meeting was part of efforts to defuse the lingering political tension in the oil-rich state. Though no official details were released, sources confirmed that talks focused on restoring a functional government and possibly reinstating Fubara before his six-month suspension ends.

One presidential aide, speaking anonymously, noted that deliberations are ongoing to reintegrate Fubara into office—a move that could reshape the current political dynamics in Rivers State.

Notably absent from the London meeting was Fubara’s estranged political mentor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Insiders say Wike is uneasy about the discussions, particularly as they appear to be unfolding without his involvement.

Credit: Vanguard