President Bola Tinubu has reportedly held a private meeting with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in London during his working visit to Europe, multiple sources have indicated.
While the Presidency has neither confirmed nor denied the meeting, reports suggest it was initiated by Fubara himself. According to insiders familiar with the development, the meeting marks the first direct engagement between Tinubu and Fubara since the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.
Tinubu’s controversial decision, made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly, citing prolonged political instability that had “paralysed governance” and posed a threat to national security. A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, was appointed as the sole administrator of the state.
Sources say the London meeting focused on exploring possible resolutions to the ongoing political impasse in the oil-rich state. Discussions reportedly touched on pathways to restoring effective governance in Rivers, with talks potentially including Fubara’s reinstatement before the six-month suspension period expires.
The meeting was held without the involvement of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister and Fubara’s estranged political father. Wike’s absence has fueled speculation about rising tensions within the political hierarchy, especially given his influential role in Rivers State politics.
Though details of the discussion remain closely guarded, aides within the presidency, speaking off the record, confirmed that reconciliation and stability were central themes in the dialogue.As of now, the Presidency continues to maintain silence on the matter, leaving room for further political intrigue in the days ahead.
