Rivers Crisis: Tinubu may reinstate Fubara May 29 as reconciliation progresses

Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, there has been relative calm in the troubled state.

However, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof Ngozi Ordu, and the entire State House of Assembly remains the biggest challenge, with fears that it could impact the economy and social structure of the state.

For almost two months now, Fubara has been left without the powers and privileges of an elected governor.

Realizing the weight of being politically sidelined, the suspended governor has reportedly made moves towards genuine reconciliation with his former ally, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

On April 18, Fubara allegedly visited Wike at his Abuja residence to seek forgiveness. Interestingly, the governor was accompanied by prominent Yoruba political figures like Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba, instead of Rivers elders.

This was reportedly because Wike views the elders in Rivers as instigators of the crisis between him and Fubara.

The origins of the fallout trace back to the build-up to the 2023 presidential election when Wike and many Rivers political leaders clashed over the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Wike, who felt betrayed by the party, refused to back Atiku and later threw his support behind Tinubu of the APC.

Meanwhile, loyalists of Atiku, including Prince Uche Secondus, Abiye Sekibo, Celestine Omehia, Austin Opara, Senator Lee Meaba, and Tele Ikuru, returned to Port Harcourt after the elections and rallied around Fubara, urging him to challenge Wike’s influence.

These politicians reportedly discouraged Fubara from fully implementing an 8-point peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu, which could have ended the crisis much earlier.

It now appears the governor has realized that lasting peace can only come from a personal settlement with Wike, without external interference.

Fubara’s decision was seen as a wise move considering Wike’s political clout, financial resources, and solid backing from the presidency.

Wike had previously declared in a media interview that he was ready to forgive Fubara if the governor sincerely apologized.

In a bid to resolve the matter, Fubara is believed to have met with President Tinubu in London, en route to Frankfurt, Germany, in a closed-door meeting whose outcome remains undisclosed.

Sources claim this was part of a larger political deal that could guarantee Tinubu’s reelection in 2027 and Fubara’s reinstatement as governor.

After the meeting, Fubara went to Abuja to personally apologize to Wike.

While the details of their agreement remain under wraps, Nigerians are eagerly anticipating developments, especially with speculations that Tinubu might reinstate Fubara by May 29, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

Some political observers, including Prince Ogbonna Nwuke, a former House of Representatives member, believe such a move would showcase Tinubu as a true democrat.

Similarly, Ann Kio Briggs of the Ijaw Republican Assembly, said bringing Fubara back on Democracy Day would resonate with the people of Rivers State.

President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba, added that reinstating Fubara would be historic, allowing the president to prove he governs for all Nigerians.

According to him, Wike should focus on his responsibilities in Abuja while Rivers people should enjoy the leadership they elected.

The South-South Reawakening Group’s convener, Dr Joseph Ambakederimo, also emphasized that Fubara has shown himself to be a man of peace and deserves to return to his position.

He revealed having met Fubara recently and described him as determined to restore peace in the state.

However, concerns linger over the nature of the agreement between Wike and Fubara.

Insiders suggest that political appointments, including commissioners and members of the state electoral body, will be distributed in a way that secures Wike’s interests.

There are also indications that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, has been reshuffled to favor candidates loyal to the Abuja camp, regardless of their political parties.

The upcoming local government elections earlier scheduled for August 9 are also expected to reflect this arrangement.

This has raised fresh questions: will Fubara, upon his return, be a puppet governor controlled from Abuja? What will be the fate of the pro-Atiku elders once the dust settles? As May 29 draws closer, Nigerians anxiously await President Tinubu’s next move.