Tinubu meets Fubara in London over Rivers political crisis

President Bola Tinubu privately met with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in London.

According to The Africa Report, the meeting was held at the insistence of Governor Fubara to work out modalities for returning Rivers State to the path of peace.

This meeting would be the first since Tinubu suspended Fubara and invoked a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18. He appointed Navy Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator.

This meeting would be the first since Tinubu suspended Fubara and invoked a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18. He appointed Navy Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator.

During the meeting, Fubara promised to make some compromises.

Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak to the press.

Another presidential aide said Fubara is also open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ingratiate himself with the president and then obtain cover.

“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” he says.

The Africa Report was informed that Fubara’s estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was uncomfortable with such meetings taking place behind his back.

However, Tinubu is expected to broker a meeting between Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the state.