President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly held a private meeting with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in London as part of efforts to resolve the prolonged political crisis in the state.
According to The Africa Report, the meeting took place last week, shortly after President Tinubu departed Paris.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the meeting was initiated at the request of Governor Fubara, who is said to be eager to return to office following the president’s earlier declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
During the talks, Fubara reportedly expressed willingness to make compromises in order to facilitate a political resolution.
A presidential adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that ongoing negotiations may lead to the lifting of Fubara’s suspension before the six-month period elapses.
“Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” the adviser said.
Another source close to the presidency hinted that Fubara is also considering joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move seen as a strategic step to realign himself with President Tinubu and potentially gain political protection.
“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” the aide added.
Notably absent from the London meeting was Fubara’s estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike.
Sources say Wike is displeased with the backchannel talks between Tinubu and Fubara, which reportedly took place without his involvement.
