President Bola Tinubu recently met with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in London.
According to Africa Report, both men were reportedly searching for a way to resolve the ongoing political tension in the oil-rich state.
The meeting took place quietly last week, shortly after the president left Paris, and was not made public at the time.
Governor Fubara, who was suspended on March 18 after a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State, reportedly requested the meeting.
According to reports, he has shown interest in returning to office and is said to be willing to accept some conditions in order to regain his position.
Sources close to the presidency revealed that discussions are still ongoing, and there is hope that Fubara’s suspension may be lifted before the six-month deadline initially set.
The possibility of Fubara joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was also part of the talks.
Political analysts said that such a move could improve Tinubu’s chances of winning Rivers State in the 2027 general elections.
However, this development has not gone down well with former Rivers Governor and current Federal Capital Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He was reportedly not invited to the meeting and is said to be uncomfortable with the arrangement.
Tinubu is expected to hold a broader meeting soon that would include Fubara, Wike, and state lawmakers in a bid to end the crisis in the state.
The crisis deepened in March when two oil pipelines exploded, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.
The explosions were blamed on the feud between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike, who had accused the governor of breaching the constitution and supported moves to remove him from office.
Following the emergency declaration, former naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator of the state, a decision that drew sharp criticism from labour unions, opposition figures, legal experts, and civil society groups.
Many described the move as an attempt to control Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite being away from office, Fubara has called for peace and urged the people of Rivers State to keep supporting Tinubu.
Weekly protests and legal actions have continued in the state since his suspension.
