Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara Visits President Tinubu in Lagos
Lagos, June 3, 2025 – Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara paid a private visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday. The closed-door meeting, confirmed by the Presidency’s spokesperson Bayo Onanuga via social media, marks the second known encounter between the two leaders since Fubara’s suspension in March amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State234.
Photos released by the State House showed Fubara and Tinubu engaged in a cordial discussion, sparking widespread speculation about possible reconciliation and the future of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. The emergency rule followed escalating political turmoil between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)23.
President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee governance during the emergency period. The President justified the emergency declaration as necessary to restore stability and ensure the people of Rivers State receive the dividends of democracy, which had been stalled due to political gridlock234.
Context and Political Dynamics
The political crisis in Rivers State has been marked by intense rivalry between Fubara and Wike, leading to a near standstill in governance and service delivery. The emergency rule was meant to quell the unrest and bring order to the oil-rich state. Fubara’s visit to Tinubu is widely seen by his supporters, known as the “Simplified Family,” as a hopeful sign that the emergency rule might be lifted before its scheduled expiration in September 20257.
Fubara recently sought reconciliation with his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, although Wike publicly stated he was not consulted before the emergency declaration and has been a vocal critic of the suspension47. Notably, Wike was absent from the recent meeting between Fubara and Tinubu, which some interpret as a sign that negotiations are progressing independently of him5.
Reactions and Speculations
The meeting has ignited optimism among Fubara’s supporters who anticipate his reinstatement. Ezebunwo Ichemati, a prominent Fubara loyalist, urged supporters to prepare for celebration, suggesting the visit signals the beginning of the end for the emergency rule7.
However, civil society groups and human rights advocates remain cautious. Ann Kio Briggs, a Niger Delta rights activist, emphasized that a handshake alone does not resolve the crisis, stressing the need for the restoration of democratic governance and genuine engagement with Rivers State’s people5.
Legal experts note that under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, the President can lift a state of emergency at any time before the six-month period ends, raising hopes that the suspension could be reversed soon5.
Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas continues to serve as the state administrator, recently appointing new secretaries, which has fueled concerns that the emergency rule might be extended or institutionalized5.
Additional Developments
The meeting also coincided with President Tinubu’s ongoing stay in Lagos, where he has been commissioning several projects and receiving dignitaries. On the same day, Tinubu also met with Afrobeats superstar Davido, who recently returned from a world tour
