President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing intense pressure to revoke the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, with sources revealing that he has laid out stringent conditions for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s possible reinstatement.
Tinubu, who has been on an unofficial visit to France for about three weeks, reportedly made a discreet trip to London to hold a closed-door meeting with the suspended governor. Investigations by The Southern Examiner indicate that the president, responding to mounting pressure from various quarters, summoned Fubara to the UK for discussions.
Fubara, who was suspended following the emergency declaration on March 18, 2025, travelled out of Nigeria last Saturday, making a stop at Frankfurt Airport in Germany before proceeding to London. The meeting, which lasted at least four hours, covered a range of political issues affecting Rivers State.
This marks Fubara’s first international trip since his removal from office a month ago. The state of emergency, initially declared for six months, led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the 32-member state legislature. Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator, sparking widespread condemnation and protests.
Growing Resistance and Protests
Since the emergency rule was imposed, Rivers State has witnessed relentless protests, particularly from women’s groups. Demonstrators, dressed in black, white, and red, marched across the 23 local government areas, demanding the restoration of democratic governance and Fubara’s return. In a rare show of support, a separate group of women clad in white staged a pro-government rally in Port Harcourt, backing the emergency rule and Ibas’ administration.
The protests, coupled with legal challenges—including over 11 lawsuits filed in Federal High Courts in Port Harcourt and Abuja, as well as at the Supreme Court—have reportedly unsettled the Tinubu administration. Elders and leaders from the Ijaw and Niger Delta regions have also intensified calls for a return to constitutional governance.
Tinubu’s Political Gambit
Sources reveal that during the London meeting, Tinubu presented Fubara with tough conditions for his reinstatement:
- Defection to APC: Fubara must abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- Public Support for Tinubu’s Re-election: He must openly endorse Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid.
- Campaign Funding & Rivers Votes: Fubara would be required to commit financial and political resources to ensure Tinubu secures a landslide victory in Rivers State.
The president’s desperation stems from growing opposition in Northern states, where key political figures have reportedly vowed not to support his re-election. Tinubu’s strategists believe securing overwhelming support in the South is crucial, with Rivers being a major battleground.
Wike’s Waning Influence & Fubara’s Dilemma
Tinubu is said to be losing confidence in his ally, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, whose political influence in Rivers has dwindled due to alleged disrespect toward elders and former mentors. This has led to suggestions that Wike should focus solely on delivering Abuja’s votes for Tinubu.
Meanwhile, Fubara’s recent Easter message, emphasising unity and support for Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” has stirred mixed reactions. His political group, the Simplified Movement, is reportedly divided—some members vow to follow him regardless of his decision, while others threaten to quit if he defects to the APC.
Wike’s Ultimatum Adds to Tensions
Complicating matters, Wike has insisted that Fubara must publicly apologize to him before being reinstated—a demand that has further polarized supporters. Prominent activist Ann-Kio Briggs has warned that she and others will abandon Fubara if he bows to Wike’s condition.
As the suspended governor prepares to return to Nigeria this week, all eyes are on his next move. Will he accept Tinubu’s terms, or will he resist and fight for his political future through legal and civil means? The political milieu in Rivers remains volatile, with the fate of its democracy hanging in the balance.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
