President Bola Tinubu has reportedly met with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in London, as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing political standoff in the oil-rich state.
According to The Africa Report, the meeting took place last week after Tinubu left Paris. Sources close to the development revealed that Governor Fubara requested the meeting, seeking the president’s support as he attempts to regain his position after being suspended and following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
During the closed-door discussion, Fubara was said to have agreed to make key compromises aimed at de-escalating the political unrest. A senior aide at the presidency, speaking anonymously, confirmed that while talks are still in progress, Fubara’s suspension could be lifted before the six-month duration is completed.
Another source close to the presidency disclosed that Fubara is considering defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could bolster his relationship with Tinubu and shift the political dynamics in Rivers State. “If Fubara joins APC, it will strengthen the president’s chances of securing Rivers in the next election,” the source added.
Conspicuously missing from the London dialogue was former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Reports suggest Wike is uncomfortable with being excluded from the peace process. However, Tinubu is expected to convene a broader meeting soon, bringing together Fubara, Wike, and key lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, in an effort to reach a lasting solution to the crisis.
Source: Elanhub
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