The meeting, confirmed by The Africa Report, was held at the insistence of Governor Fubara, who assumed office in May 2023.
President Bola Tinubu held a private meeting with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in London, their first face-to-face discussion since Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18. The Africa Report confirmed the meeting was initiated by Fubara, who was removed alongside his deputy under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. Presidential aides declined to disclose details, but sources confirmed the talks marked a significant development in the political crisis that paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state.
The emergency declaration, which installed Navy Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator, faces legal challenges from seven PDP governors at the Supreme Court. Tinubu had cited “months of intense political instability” threatening national security, while opposition leaders argue the move undermines democracy. The London meeting signals potential negotiations amid the ongoing constitutional dispute.
