Tinubu Meets Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara in London Amid Ongoing Crisis
ABUJA — Reports emerged on Tuesday indicating that President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, during his recent working visit to London. According to The Africa Report, the meeting was initiated by Governor Fubara; however, the Presidency has not commented on the matter.
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Presidency proved unsuccessful, as no representatives were available to provide insight or confirmation. An anonymous source familiar with the meeting revealed that this encounter marked the first direct interaction between Tinubu and Fubara since the President’s declaration on March 18, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. This declaration led to a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly.
In his national address on March 18, Tinubu cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralyzed governance” and posed a threat to national stability as reasons for the intervention. Following this announcement, he appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to serve as the sole administrator of the state.
During their meeting, it was reported that President Tinubu and Governor Fubara focused on strategies to restore effective governance in the oil-rich state, with discussions hinting at the possibility of reinstating Fubara to his position before the conclusion of his six-month suspension. While details of the conversation remained undisclosed, some presidential aides indicated that there were ongoing talks regarding Fubara’s return to office.
Additionally, it was noted that Fubara’s former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Federal Capital Territory Minister, was not part of the London meeting and appeared anxious about any arrangements that might take place without his involvement.
Join our Channel...