Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday, visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos in a move that could signal ongoing efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in the oil-rich state.
Photos from the meeting were shared on social media by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, showing both leaders in a cordial discussion. “Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers, now on suspension from office, visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Tuesday,” Onanuga wrote on his official X handle.
While the details of the private meeting were not disclosed, the visit is significant as it marks the first known physical engagement between both men since President Tinubu suspended Fubara and other key political figures in Rivers State.
In March 2025, President Tinubu took the extraordinary step of suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The move followed a prolonged political impasse that had destabilized governance in the coastal state.
The crisis traces back to an intense power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. Their feud splintered the state assembly, polarizing lawmakers into rival factions loyal to either Wike or Fubara. The internal conflict escalated to public protests, legal battles, and governance gridlocks.
Citing threats to peace, security, and infrastructure — including reported pipeline vandalism — Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18 and appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
Explaining the decision at the time, Tinubu said, “No good and responsible President will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution… Extraordinary measures are needed to restore governance and order.”
Since his suspension, Governor Fubara has repeatedly stated his commitment to peace and reconciliation, acknowledging Wike as a political mentor and expressing readiness to mend their strained relationship.
Although Tuesday’s visit has not been officially linked to any mediation or reversal of his suspension, observers believe it could be a step toward a broader political settlement in Rivers.
As of now, the Presidency has not issued a formal statement regarding the outcome of the meeting. Political analysts, however, suggest that behind-the-scenes negotiations may be ongoing, especially with 2027 elections in sight and the strategic importance of Rivers in national politics.
Fubara’s surprise appearance in Lagos could mark a turning point in the high-stakes saga that has captured national attention for months. Nigerians, especially Rivers residents, now await signs of a possible resolution and a return to democratic leadership in the embattled state.
