President Bola Tinubu is reportedly finalizing plans to reinstate the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly later this month, following a successful reconciliation effort with Fubara’s political rival and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to sources within the Presidency who spoke with The PUNCH, Tinubu hosted a closed-door meeting on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, attended by Fubara, Wike, suspended House Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and other lawmakers.
The meeting is said to have paved the way for Fubara’s return to office.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire State House of Assembly.
He cited widespread insecurity—including pipeline vandalism by militants—and accused the Fubara administration of failing to act.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as sole administrator during the emergency period.
The root of the crisis traces back to a fallout between Fubara and Wike in October 2023, leading to a fierce political rivalry.
A majority of the State Assembly, aligned with Wike, attempted to impeach the governor, prompting multiple failed peace deals and worsening the conflict.
Tensions escalated further following violent incidents, including a bombing at the State Assembly complex and explosions during political protests.
In the midst of this unrest, the Supreme Court reinstated pro-Wike lawmakers and nullified local government elections held by Fubara’s administration.
Although the state of emergency is set to expire in September, Presidency insiders confirmed that Tinubu now intends to lift it earlier and reinstate Fubara this July.
“Fubara is happy with the peace deal. After the latest meeting, it’s clear the President has sealed the agreement,” one source said. “Once Tinubu returns from his visits to Saint Lucia and Brazil, he will make a formal announcement.”
Sources also revealed that Tinubu personally told Fubara during the meeting to prepare to return to office, signaling the administration’s readiness to restore civilian governance in the oil-rich state.
While some reports suggest that Fubara’s reinstatement may come with conditions—such as limiting his political power and ruling out a 2027 re-election bid—Presidency sources denied any agreement requiring the governor to resign.
However, The Cable reports that part of the settlement includes Fubara serving out his term without seeking a second, relinquishing control of local governments, and significantly reducing his influence over state affairs.
As part of the deal, all impeachment proceedings against Fubara are to be dropped, while Wike is reportedly allowed to nominate chairmen for the state’s 23 local government areas—a concession that restores grassroots political control to the former governor.
“The President stressed that Rivers State cannot afford prolonged instability,” a source familiar with the discussions said. “This peace comes at a political cost—but it’s necessary for restoring calm.”
President Tinubu is currently on a diplomatic visit, attending the BRICS Summit in Brazil from July 6–7, following engagements in Saint Lucia.
The formal reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the lawmakers is expected shortly after his return.