President Bola Tinubu and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly held a meeting in London last week, according to sources cited by Africa Report. The meeting occurred during President Tinubu’s transit from Paris to Nigeria following a two-week working visit to France.
Two unnamed presidential aides confirmed the meeting, which was reportedly initiated by Fubara, who is seeking to return to office. During the discussions, Fubara is said to have pledged to make concessions aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Sources privy to the discussions indicate that negotiations are ongoing, with a possibility that Fubara’s six-month suspension could be lifted prematurely.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18th, citing the prolonged political turmoil. He subsequently suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly for an initial six-month period. Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator of the state.
