A major political development is underway in Rivers State, as suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set to be reinstated after months of crisis and emergency rule. This follows his reported acceptance of four tough conditions brokered during a peace meeting convened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at resolving the prolonged standoff in the state.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on June 27, was attended by Fubara, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule; and other political stakeholders.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025, suspending the Governor, his deputy, and the House of Assembly over what he described as a “complete breakdown of law and order.” Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as sole administrator for an initial six-month period.
However, with political pressure mounting, and a legal challenge pending at the Federal High Court in Abuja instituted by former federal lawmaker Farah Dagogo, the Presidency appears to be paving the way for a negotiated political solution.
According to sources familiar with the agreement, Fubara’s return to office is tied to four non-negotiable conditions.
The Governor, according to the source has agreed not to seek re-election in 2027. That would make him the first elected Rivers Governor to serve only one term since the return to democracy in 1999.
Another condition is that , he will officially defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning his political future with the federal Government.
While the Governor is expected to supervise the rescheduled local government elections on August 9, he must not nominate or back any candidates. (Openly or secretly)It is understood that most of the returning council chairmen will be Wike’s men, and allocations to local governments will be handled directly without interference from the state executive.
The last point is that, Fubara must pay all outstanding allowances to the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike and implement a major shake-up of his cabinet. This includes the removal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, and several commissioners perceived to be loyal to his inner circle. Their replacements will be selected in consultation with Wike’s camp.
There’s a pending court case. Yes, a suit filed by former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo challenging the legality of the state of emergency remains in court. The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to resume hearing the matter on July 9.
Dagogo is arguing that the president lacks constitutional powers to suspend a sitting governor and an elected legislature. The outcome of the case could set a precedent on federal intervention in state affairs.
As it seems, Fubara’s reinstatement is now a matter of “when, not if,” with indications that the agreement may be implemented within days. Observers say the resolution is a significant win for Tinubu’s political balancing act, but critics warn that the terms of the deal could weaken democratic accountability in the state.
The development comes amid growing concerns about the role of federal might in local governance and the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Source: Independent Nigeria
