President Bola Tinubu held a secret meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in London last week, shortly after departing Paris, The Africa Report has revealed.
The high-level meeting was reportedly initiated by Governor Fubara, who is eager to return fully to office following President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
Sources familiar with the meeting disclosed that Fubara expressed willingness to make concessions in a bid to resolve the political impasse that has gripped the state.
“Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said a presidential adviser who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Another presidential aide added that the governor is considering defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to curry favor with the presidency and secure political protection. “If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” the aide noted.
Notably absent from the talks was Fubara’s political godfather, Nyesom Wike, who is reportedly uneasy about being sidelined. The former governor and current FCT Minister is said to be uncomfortable with the idea of such critical meetings taking place without his knowledge or participation.
In a bid to resolve the ongoing tensions, President Tinubu is expected to mediate a broader reconciliation meeting involving Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to chart a path toward peace and political stability in the state.
