Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, visited President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Lagos. The meeting took place at the President’s private residence in Ikoyi.
This marks their first public meeting since Fubara’s suspension on March 18, 2025. The two leaders held a closed-door meeting. Photos released by the State House showed them smiling warmly, but no official statement followed.
President Tinubu suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers in March. He also declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State.
This followed rising political tensions and economic instability in the oil-rich state. Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas as Administrator to oversee the state during the emergency period.
Critics, including the People’s Democratic Party and civil rights groups, rejected the suspension. They said the President’s action weakened democratic institutions and undermined Rivers people’s electoral choice.
Fubara Loyalists Celebrate After Lagos Visit
The visit to Lagos has raised hopes among Fubara’s supporters. Many believe the emergency rule could soon end, and Fubara might return to office.
Supporters under the banner of the ‘Simplified Family’ shared their excitement on social media. Ezebunwo Ichemati, a known Fubara loyalist, posted the meeting photos with an encouraging caption.
“Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara after a closed-door meeting with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu today, June 3, 2025. Simplified Marine Patrol, get ready, it will be too loud”, Ichemati wrote.
The post received hundreds of comments from supporters. Many praised Tinubu and declared their belief that Fubara would soon be reinstated.
Earlier Efforts for Reinstatement Had Failed
Supporters had earlier hoped that Fubara would be restored on May 29. But that expectation was dashed when President Tinubu did not lift the emergency rule.
The six-month emergency rule is expected to expire on September 18, 2025. Until then, the Administrator continues to run the affairs of the state.
Some people in Rivers remain indifferent, saying Fubara’s visit might not lead to any changes. Others believe it shows progress in negotiations.
Wike Disagrees With Fubara’s Claim on Peace Talks
Last week, Fubara said he believed he would soon return to office. He claimed that peace talks between him and Minister Nyesom Wike were moving forward.
However, Wike disagreed. In a television interview on Monday, Wike said Fubara only met him once. He added that the meeting included Governors Dapo Abiodun and Francis Nwifuru, as well as former Governor Olusegun Osoba.
Yesterday’s Lagos meeting was the second time the suspended governor has met with the President this year. Their earlier meeting took place in London.
Political observers believe the Lagos visit could signal a political breakthrough before the emergency rule ends in September.
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