Tinubu Meets With Wike, Fubara, Rivers Lawmakers In Abuja

Tinubu Meets With Wike, Fubara, Rivers Lawmakers In Abuja.
Fubara meets Tinubu for first time since emergency rule in Rivers.
Political tension in Rivers led to emergency declaration in March.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday night stepped in to resolve the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, reconciling Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and other key lawmakers.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to Channels Television, the crucial peace meeting was held behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as President Tinubu sought to restore stability in the politically tense South-South state.

This marks the first time Governor Fubara has met with President Tinubu since the president suspended him, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly while imposing emergency rule in the state.

Tinubu had defended the emergency declaration, citing the failure of the governor and the state legislature to resolve their differences and concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state.

The political crisis in Rivers State erupted following a bitter fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is widely seen as Fubara’s political godfather. Tensions peaked when lawmakers loyal to Wike moved to impeach Fubara, leading to the demolition of the Assembly complex and the emergence of a parallel legislative leadership.

The deepening conflict raised concerns of a possible breakdown of law and order, sparking calls for emergency intervention in the state as far back as March.

Following the escalation, the National Assembly approved the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers and appointed the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (retd), to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial six-month period.