President Bola Tinubu reportedly held a private meeting with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, with indications pointing toward the likely lifting of the suspension imposed on him in March.
Recall that Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, as well as state lawmakers in an emergency rule setting.
The recent closed-door meeting took place in London last week, shortly after President Tinubu left Paris for London.
According to two presidential aides who spoke on condition of anonymity, the encounter was reportedly initiated at Fubara’s request.
“It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week. Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” The Africa Report quoted a senior adviser to the president.
The suspended governor is also said to be considering a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in what sources describe as a strategic move to regain favour with the presidency and shield himself further.
“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” another presidential aide said.
The meeting reportedly occurred without the knowledge or involvement of Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s estranged political godfather and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Sources say Wike is displeased with the behind-the-scenes diplomacy and is wary of being sidelined.
President Tinubu is expected to facilitate a broader reconciliation meeting involving Fubara, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in an effort to resolve the ongoing political crisis.
The unrest in Rivers State escalated on March 18 when President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency following violent clashes between factions loyal to Fubara and Wike. In the aftermath, the president appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), as the sole administrator of the state.