Tinubu to reinstate Fubara as Rivers governor under strict conditions

Summary

• President Tinubu allegedly agrees to reinstate Fubara on condition he won’t seek re-election in 2027
• Wike to nominate all 23 LG chairpersons and regain grassroots control
• Suspended lawmakers loyal to Wike to be reinstated with entitlements, impeachment plans dropped

Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly brokered a deal to reinstate Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State, following months of political turmoil that led to the imposition of emergency rule in the state.

The decision, reached at a closed-door reconciliation meeting held on June 26, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, is said to come with strict conditions, including a pledge by Fubara not to seek re-election in 2027.

The meeting, attended by Fubara, his political rival and predecessor Nyesom Wike, Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers from the state, was described as a significant breakthrough in resolving the deep-seated conflict that had paralysed governance in Rivers State.

According to multiple reports, Tinubu’s proposed settlement includes reinstating Fubara to complete his current term, while ceding considerable influence to Wike. The former governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is said to have secured the right to nominate all 23 local government chairpersons in the state.

In addition, Fubara has reportedly agreed to settle outstanding allowances and entitlements owed to 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, who in turn will drop all impeachment efforts against him.

Wike has since confirmed the resolution of the feud, saying both camps have agreed to work together moving forward. Fubara also reportedly committed to sustaining the unity achieved during the talks.

The reported terms, however, have stirred mixed reactions. While many see the deal as a welcome path back to stability and democratic governance in the oil-rich state, critics argue that the conditions undermine Fubara’s authority and could sow seeds for renewed friction.

Former senator Shehu Sani and activist Deji Adeyanju have expressed scepticism, warning that Wike’s enduring influence could reignite tensions.

Calls for Fubara’s reinstatement had earlier been made by key figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP elder statesman Bode George, particularly around Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations on June 12. These appeals went unanswered until the recent breakthrough.

President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, citing the failure of the governor, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly to collaborate effectively. This led to the suspension of all elected officials and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator.

While the new development signals a possible end to emergency rule, the presidency has yet to issue an official statement confirming the reported conditions of Fubara’s reinstatement, especially the alleged ban on seeking re-election.

Observers note that without formal documentation, the durability of the truce remains uncertain.