President Bola Tinubu reportedly held a private meeting in London last week with Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, amid ongoing efforts to resolve the political impasse in the state.
According to Africa Report, two unnamed aides close to the presidency confirmed that the meeting took place while Tinubu was in the UK.
The president had left Abuja on April 2 for a working visit to Paris, and later travelled to London before returning to Nigeria on April 21.
Sources said the meeting was initiated by Fubara, who expressed willingness to make concessions in hopes of reclaiming his position and ending the crisis rocking the state’s political landscape.
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Insiders familiar with the discussions revealed that negotiations are ongoing, and hinted at a potential lifting of Fubara’s suspension before the six-month timeline elapses.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, citing persistent instability and conflict within the state’s political structure.
He also announced the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly.
In response, Tinubu appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state during the suspension period.
