President Bola Tinubu reportedly met with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in London last week as part of efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.
According to Africa Report, two unnamed presidential aides confirmed the meeting, which was said to have been initiated by Fubara, who is eager to return to office.
Tinubu had departed Abuja for Paris on April 2 for a two-week working visit. Following his engagements in Paris, he proceeded to London before returning to Nigeria on April 21, as confirmed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
During the private meeting, Fubara reportedly expressed a willingness to make key concessions to his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed at ending the political impasse in the oil-rich state.
“Negotiations are ongoing,” a source privy to the discussions revealed, adding that there is hope Fubara’s suspension could be lifted ahead of the six-month timeline.
The development comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, citing the persistent political unrest. Alongside Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial six-month period.
To stabilize governance, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
