President Bola Tinubu on Thursday hosted a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Federal Capital Territory minister Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule and members of the state legislature.
This marks the first public meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Fubara since the state of emergency was declared on March 18. At the time, the president suspended the governor, his deputy Ngozi Odu and the entire Rivers Assembly, citing their inability to work together and growing security concerns in the state. Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the interim administrator.
The crisis stemmed from a bitter power struggle between Fubara and his erstwhile godfather Wike, which eventually engulfed the state assembly. Tensions escalated when the lawmakers, emboldened by a Supreme Court ruling, threatened to impeach the governor, prompting the federal government’s intervention.
Thursday’s meeting appeared to signal a turning point. Photographs showed the president smiling alongside the warring parties, while a video captured moments of laughter, handshakes, and camaraderie. In one image, Fubara and Wike walked together, accompanied by Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers.
Although no official statement was released, insiders hinted at a resolution. A source close to the presidency disclosed that the parties had reconciled and visited the president to express their gratitude. “From their body language, it’s clear the differences have been resolved,” the source said. “While the state of emergency has not been formally lifted, these developments suggest an imminent restoration of normalcy in Rivers.”
