BREAKING: Fubara returns to Rivers State after overseas meeting with Tinubu

Suspended Nigerian Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has tonight returned to the state after a two-week vacation overseas, during which he met with President Bola Tinubu in London to discuss his return to office.

There were indications on Tuesday of a meeting between Tinubu and Fubara during the president’s working visit to Europe.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the meetup was at Governor Fubara’s instance, the Presidency has kept sealed lips on the development till date.

According to an insider, the meeting was significant as it was the first personal meeting between the two leaders since the state of emergency declaration.

Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18 cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralyzed governance” and “threatened national stability.”

The President appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator.

Sources close to the Presidency indicated that the meeting aimed to ease persistent tensions and find a solution to the lingering crisis.

The duo reportedly discussed restoring functional government in the oil-rich state.

Options for Fubara’s possible return to power were also explored.

The feud between Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and his successor, Siminalaye Fubara began shortly after Fubara assumed office and has since escalated into a full-blown conflict.

Fubara, however, visited Wike at his Abuja residence and reportedly prostrated and begged for forgiveness, marking a significant step towards reconciliation.

The crisis led to a state of emergency declaration by President Bola Tinubu, appointing a sole administrator, and a Supreme Court ruling affirming pro-Wike lawmakers as the legitimate state assembly.

The Ibok Ete Ibas factor

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State following President  Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.

His tenure is set for six months, during which he is tasked with restoring stability and governance to the state.

Whether he will serve out his full six-month tenure is uncertain, as it depends on the resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State and potential changes in the federal government’s stance.

His appointment aims to address the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Ibas had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, serving as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff.

He holds a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan.

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