As part of efforts to de-escalate the political tension in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has held a private meeting in London with suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to media reports, the meeting was initiated at Fubara’s request, with the aim of deliberating modalities for restoring peace and stability to the oil-rich State.
Though, this marks the first official engagement between the warring parties since Tinubu suspended Fubara and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18.
He subsequently appointed Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator.
A presidential aide who confirmed the meeting said it was part of broader peace-building efforts.
The meeting was part of the President’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the crisis in Rivers State, the aide who doesn’t want to be quoted disclosed.
News Band understand that the Mr. Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory was conspicuously absent.
Sources suggest Wike was uneasy about such high-level discussions occurring without his involvement.
However, President Tinubu is expected to meet with Fubara, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the coming days to further explore a permanent resolution to the political standoff.
