Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, amid ongoing political unrest in the state.
The visit, described as a courtesy call, has flashed renewed speculation over possible reconciliation efforts and the future of governance in Rivers State.
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Presidency Confirms Private Meeting
The development was confirmed by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Information Strategy, who made the disclosure via his verified Facebook account. “Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers, now on suspension from office, visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Tuesday,” his post read.
However, no official statement has been issued regarding the content or outcome of the discussion.
Backdrop of Political Crisis in Rivers State
Rivers State has been in the grip of a political crisis since late 2024, stemming from a deepening feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Mr Nyesom Wike, currently serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
What began as internal party disagreements escalated into a constitutional standoff, leaving the state’s governance in disarray.
Tinubu Declares State of Emergency
President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on 18th March 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. He cited the breakdown of law and order, occasioned by the ongoing conflict between Fubara and Wike, as justification for federal intervention.
In an unprecedented move, the President suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Federal Appointment of Interim Administrator
To fill the leadership vacuum, the Federal Government appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state. The former military chief is tasked with managing the state’s affairs throughout the emergency rule, pending either the resolution of the crisis or expiration of the suspension.
Political Significance of the Visit
Tuesday’s meeting between the suspended governor and President Tinubu is viewed by political analysts as potentially significant. It may signal the start of behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at ending the crisis, or it could reflect an attempt by Fubara to clarify his position before the nation’s highest authority. While details remain scarce, the optics of the visit suggest a possible shift in the course of the conflict.
As Nigerians await further clarification from the Presidency, many hope the visit will lead to peace and the reinstatement of Fubara as the duly elected Governor of Rivers State.
