President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly met with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in London last week, in a bid to resolve the lingering political crisis rocking the oil-rich South-South state.
Sources close to the presidency confirmed that the meeting took place shortly after President Tinubu departed Paris, with Fubara allegedly requesting the meeting in a desperate attempt to regain his position following the federal declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
During the discreet talks, Fubara reportedly expressed his willingness to make key compromises. According to a top presidential adviser who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline.”
Adding a twist to the political drama, another senior aide hinted that Fubara may be considering a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” the source said.
Notably absent from the London meeting was Fubara’s estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Insiders say Wike was uncomfortable with the secret talks, particularly as they occurred without his input.
Nevertheless, President Tinubu is reportedly preparing to convene a broader reconciliation meeting that will include Fubara, Wike, and lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly, with hopes of brokering a lasting peace.