Tinubu, Fubara Meet Behind Closed Doors in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu today met privately with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at his Lagos residence, marking their first face-to-face since the imposition of Emergency Rule in the state on March 18, 2025.

This significant engagement follows the federal government's controversial decision to dissolve Rivers State’s elected administration amid worsening insecurity and a breakdown in governance. 

The action led to the removal of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature. In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, former Chief of Naval Staff, as Sole Administrator for an initial term of six months.

Governor Fubara had initially refrained from making public statements after his ouster but broke his silence last week to endorse the president's move. 

He called it “the right call at the right time” and expressed optimism that the state would soon regain stability. Addressing Rivers residents, he said the Emergency Rule “will soon be lifted,” adding confidently, “I will return to office.”

He also reassured his team of a full reinstatement, stating, “All government officials previously working under my administration will come back to your offices.” 

Fubara also disclosed a political reconciliation with his long-time ally and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Despite this, Wike revealed on Monday that he had been excluded from the president’s decision-making process on the matter. 

During a media briefing, Wike clarified, “I was not consulted. If I had been, I wouldn’t have supported such a move.”