Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is expected to be reinstated soon following a crucial peace meeting mediated by President Bola Tinubu.
Furthermore, The political standoff between Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appears to be nearing resolution, though not without tough terms for Fubara’s return to office.
The high-stakes reconciliation, held Thursday night, included key players such as President Tinubu, Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, and Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
A highly placed source disclosed that Fubara agreed to several non-negotiable conditions: Fubara will forfeit his right to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election, effectively making him a one-term governor, an unprecedented move in the state’s democratic history.
He must decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with the recent wave of defections by southern governors. Although Fubara will oversee the August 9 council elections, he is barred from nominating any candidates. This condition is expected to favor Wike’s loyalists for key local positions.
The governor must remove key aides, including Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo and Chief of Staff Dr. Edison Ehie. Appointments will restart afresh, with Wike reportedly having the upper hand in nominations.
Also that, Fubara will also be required to settle outstanding allowances of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers to prevent a possible impeachment attempt.These demands, according to insiders, are aimed at consolidating the influence of Wike and the APC in the state and ensuring Tinubu’s political dominance ahead of the 2027 election.
The lingering conflict between Wike and Fubara had escalated into a full-blown constitutional crisis, prompting Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers in March 2025 and appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.
The crisis disrupted key events, including Fubara’s two-year anniversary in office and Democracy Day celebrations. The power-sharing arrangement brokered by Tinubu now seems poised to end the months-long stalemate.
Ijaw leaders and civil society groups welcomed the development with cautious optimism. Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, said:“It would not be out of place if Governor Sim is reinstated within the next 24 hours. We believe the crisis is nearing a genuine resolution.”
Joseph Ambakaderimo, Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group, praised Tinubu’s role, calling him a “true democrat” for managing the delicate reconciliation.
Former aide to Wike, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, added:“I believe this is the final peace deal. Within 10 days, we expect to see all democratic institutions in the state restored.”
