President Bola Tinubu has met with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in London. This is their first in-person meeting since the political crisis began in March 2025.
Why the Meeting Matters
Fubara requested the meeting. He was suspended after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This followed months of political instability that affected governance in the oil-rich state.
In his national broadcast on March 18, Tinubu said the state had become ungovernable. He removed Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and appointed Navy Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
This decision led to strong reactions. Governors from seven opposition-controlled states took the matter to the Supreme Court, calling it unconstitutional.
What They Discussed
The exact details of the meeting have not been made public. However, sources say the two leaders discussed ways to restore governance in Rivers State. One key topic was whether Fubara could return to office before his six-month suspension ends.
President Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Monday night after an 18-day trip to Paris and London.
Wike Was Not Involved
Former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting. He is said to be unhappy that talks happened without him. Wike had supported Fubara’s rise to power, but their relationship has since broken down.
Tinubu is expected to meet soon with Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The goal is to find a long-term solution to the crisis.
