Tinubu meets suspended Rivers governor Fubara in Lagos

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in Lagos.

The meeting took place behind closed doors at the president’s private residence on Tuesday.

This marks the first official encounter between both men since the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the emergency proclamation, announced on March 18, 2025, led to the removal of Fubara from office.

Tinubu also sacked the deputy governor and the entire state House of Assembly during the declaration.

Citing worsening insecurity and administrative collapse, the president dissolved the entire elected government structure in the state.

In Fubara’s place, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), as sole administrator.

The emergency administration is scheduled to last an initial period of six months.

Since his removal, Governor Fubara has maintained a low profile in the public space.

However, last week he broke his silence in a televised address, expressing support for Tinubu’s decision.

Fubara described the move as “the right call at the right time” to restore calm in the troubled state.

He assured Rivers residents that the emergency rule was temporary and that he would “return to office” soon.

The suspended governor also promised that civil servants and political appointees from his administration would be reinstated.

Fubara further announced that he had reconciled with his long-time political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

Wike currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in Tinubu’s cabinet.

But in a surprising twist, Wike said on Monday that he was not consulted about the emergency rule.

Speaking during a media chat, Wike disclosed that he was unaware of the plan until it was publicly announced.

He insisted that, had he been briefed, he would have opposed the imposition of federal control over Rivers State.

This revelation contradicts earlier assumptions of behind-the-scenes collaboration between Tinubu and Wike.

Observers believe that Tinubu’s sudden move may have caught even his close allies off guard.

The political situation in Rivers has been tense, with violent clashes reported across local government areas.

Critics argue that the federal takeover undermines democratic governance and sets a dangerous precedent.

Supporters of the president claim the move was necessary to prevent further bloodshed and governance failure.

The exact outcome of Tuesday’s meeting remains undisclosed as of press time.

Sources close to the presidency say the conversation focused on peacebuilding and possible transition strategies.

Analysts suggest the meeting could signal the beginning of a negotiated return of democratic governance in Rivers.

Others warn it could be a tactic to manage political optics amid growing public backlash.

With Fubara expressing loyalty and Wike distancing himself, the internal dynamics of Rivers politics remain fluid.

It is unclear whether Tinubu intends to restore Fubara or extend emergency control beyond the six-month period.

Nigerians are closely watching the developments as the situation has broader implications for federalism and constitutional governance.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to provide detailed updates on this evolving political drama.

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