The political tension in Rivers State, stemming from a power struggle between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former ally, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, appears to be easing following a clandestine meeting between Fubara and President Bola Tinubu in London. Fubara, who initiated the meeting, has reportedly expressed his willingness to make concessions to resolve the crisis, which led to his suspension and the imposition of a state of emergency in the state. Presidential aides, speaking under the condition of anonymity, confirmed the meeting and indicated that negotiations are ongoing, potentially leading to an early lifting of Fubara’s six-month suspension, initially set to expire in September. While the specifics of the concessions remain undisclosed, one aide hinted at the possibility of Fubara defecting from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could significantly bolster Tinubu’s influence in the oil-rich state.
The crisis in Rivers State spiralled out of control following a series of escalating events. Fubara’s demolition of the State House of Assembly complex in December 2023 triggered a protracted legal battle over the legislature’s legitimacy. The situation further deteriorated when 27 lawmakers, aligned with Wike, defected from the PDP to the APC, sparking legal disputes over their status. The Supreme Court, in February 2025, ruled in favor of the lawmakers, declaring Fubara’s actions unconstitutional and characterizing his governance as effectively a one-man rule due to the absence of a functional legislature. Despite the ruling, political gridlock persisted, hindering the passage of the state’s annual budget and crippling governance.
Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in March 2025, citing “months of intense political instability,” followed a series of pipeline explosions in the state. Tinubu attributed the attacks to militants allegedly supporting Fubara, further exacerbating the already tense situation. The President’s subsequent appointment of Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator was met with resistance from opposition governors who challenged the constitutional validity of the decree in the Supreme Court. The London meeting between Tinubu and Fubara marks the first direct communication between the two since the declaration of the state of emergency and signifies a potential turning point in the protracted political crisis.
While the London meeting offered a glimmer of hope for resolving the impasse, the absence of Nyesom Wike raised concerns about the sustainability of any agreement reached between Tinubu and Fubara without his involvement. Wike, a pivotal figure in Rivers State politics and Fubara’s estranged political godfather, was reportedly apprehensive about the meeting taking place without his participation. Given Wike’s influence and the complex dynamics of the political landscape in Rivers State, his involvement in any future negotiations is deemed crucial for achieving a lasting solution.
Moving forward, President Tinubu is expected to convene a meeting involving Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to facilitate a comprehensive resolution to the crisis. This broader dialogue is seen as essential for addressing the underlying political tensions, restoring stability, and ensuring effective governance in the state. The success of these future negotiations will depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and prioritize the interests of the state over personal political ambitions.
The political crisis in Rivers State underscores the fragility of democratic institutions and the potential for power struggles to derail governance. The events leading to the state of emergency highlight the importance of adherence to the rule of law, respect for constitutional processes, and the need for inclusive dialogue in resolving political disputes. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will significantly impact the future political landscape of Rivers State and serve as a precedent for managing similar crises in other parts of the country. The hope remains that a peaceful resolution can be achieved, allowing for the restoration of normalcy and the resumption of effective governance in the interest of the people of Rivers State.
