President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday met with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, at his residence on Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, Lagos.
While no official statement had been released by the Presidency regarding the purpose or outcome of the closed-door meeting at the time of this report, sources confirmed to THE CABAL that the meeting took place.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. Citing “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and threatened national unity, Tinubu announced the removal of Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. Navy Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was subsequently appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
The political crisis in Rivers State has its roots in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Their feud has fractured the state legislature into two rival factions, with most lawmakers reportedly backing Wike.
As tensions escalated, national attention turned to efforts aimed at restoring stability. Governor Fubara recently acknowledged ongoing peace efforts, crediting President Tinubu for his decisive intervention.
“We are already in the peace process,” Fubara stated. “I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation and stabilise the polity and the state. Without him, the outcome today might have been very different.”
He added, “I don’t know how he gets his information, but he acted wisely at the right time. I also thank the many personalities nationwide who appealed to him to step in.”
Emphasising the importance of reconciliation, Fubara continued: “We must set aside personal pride and commit to the peace process. The interest of Rivers State must come first—it’s not about any individual.”
