Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, expressed optimism that a recent conciliatory meeting involving himself, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly marks a positive turn towards peace in the state.
After a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Fubara stated, “This day is significant for us. Peace, which is essential for the development of Rivers State, is returning by the grace of God and with cooperation from state leaders.”
Fubara, who has been suspended for three months, committed to doing everything possible to maintain this newfound peace. The suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers Assembly occurred in March 2025 due to a prolonged political crisis. Tensions had escalated when lawmakers aligned with Wike attempted to impeach Fubara after a rift developed between them.
At the meeting, Wike reported a friendly atmosphere where all parties expressed their willingness to collaborate moving forward. He noted that their differences had been resolved, stating, “We have all agreed to work together with the governor… Disagreements happen, but we have settled them.” He conveyed satisfaction with the outcomes of their discussions.
This meeting marks the second encounter between Fubara and Tinubu since the suspension, the first taking place earlier in the month in Lagos. Following the suspensions, Tinubu appointed retired naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
Although this move faced criticism, the president justified his actions based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allowed him to intervene in the escalating political situation in Rivers.
