President Tinubu met privately with Governor Fubara in Lagos amid escalating political tension in Rivers State. Talks aim to end emergency rule and restore stability

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]inubu Fubara private meeting took place on Tuesday in Lagos as Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi.

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The unannounced and private encounter comes in the wake of the political turmoil that has gripped Rivers State, culminating in a state of emergency declared by the Federal Government on 18 May 2025.

Though details of the meeting have not been made public, political watchers and party stakeholders have described it as a major turning point in the ongoing power struggle in one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile regions.

Fubara has faced relentless opposition since assuming office in 2023, with a deepening feud with his predecessor and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The conflict escalated after the controversial demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in December 2023—an act President Tinubu cited in justifying the imposition of emergency rule.

“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government… the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern… as a despot,” Tinubu said when announcing the emergency.

“We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation… He acted with wisdom at the right time

The Supreme Court, on 28 February 2025, ruled against the Governor in consolidated appeals relating to the constitutional breaches, affirming that the 27 defected House members were still valid legislators and ordering the immediate passage of a state budget something yet to occur.

In recent weeks, Fubara has struck a more conciliatory tone, acknowledging the President’s role in preventing a deeper crisis.

He further noted: “We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process… The interest of the State is paramount.”

As of the time of reporting, neither the Presidency nor Governor Fubara’s office has released an official statement on the outcome of the meeting.

However, political analysts believe this quiet dialogue could lay the groundwork for lifting the emergency declaration and re-establishing democratic structures in the state.

Also read: Tompolo vows Fubara will return as Rivers Governor

The meeting is already sparking reactions across political lines, with hopes that it signals a new phase of de-escalation in Rivers’ prolonged political crisis.