In a dramatic turn in the Rivers State political saga, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly agreed to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara — but with strict conditions attached.
At a closed-door meeting held Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu hosted key political players including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara, suspended Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and a select group of lawmakers. The aim: to restore calm to the crisis-ridden state.
The Deal at a Glance: According to credible sources within the presidency, the resolution involves Governor Fubara returning to office to complete his current tenure, but agreeing not to seek re-election in 2027. This concession is said to be the linchpin of the truce, effectively curbing Fubara’s future political ambition.
In return for peace, Wike will gain full control of the local government structure, with the power to nominate all 23 LGA chairpersons. The move solidifies his grip on Rivers State’s grassroots political machinery ahead of the next election cycle.
Further terms of the agreement include: Fubara paying all outstanding entitlements and allowances owed to the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers who were suspended.
In exchange, the lawmakers will drop all impeachment threats and legal actions.
The lawmakers, who previously defected to the APC, continue to claim legitimacy amidst ongoing legal controversies.
Wike Emerges as the Political Victor
Insiders say Thursday’s meeting marked a breakthrough, but one that comes at a steep cost to Fubara’s autonomy.
“The arrangement is clear: No second term for Fubara, no local government control. Peace, but at a price,” a top source disclosed.
“Wike is the real winner here — he retains political dominance without occupying the seat.”
The feud between Wike and Fubara, once political allies, escalated into a full-blown crisis over control of the state’s political structure. Efforts by Tinubu to resolve the conflict had failed in the past, prompting his controversial state of emergency declaration in March.
The fallout saw Tinubu suspend Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state assembly, appointing retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas as sole administrator of the state. Fubara’s six-month suspension is expected to end by September 2025.
As Rivers State awaits the official resolution, many observers believe this agreement may bring political stability — but not without deep scars and lingering tensions.
