- Tinubu to Reinstate Fubara — But Only If These Four Conditions Are Met
- Wike: Four conditions to be met before Tinubu reinstates Fubara
- Rivers: Reinstatement looms as ‘Prodigal Son’ Fubara gets four tough conditions
- Rivers: ‘Four Conditions Given To Fubara For Reinstatement Emerge’
After months of intense political tension in Rivers State, fresh hope emerged on Thursday following a rare public appearance of President Bola Tinubu with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara — all smiles in a photograph that quickly went viral on social media.
This development, Naija Blog reports, signals a major breakthrough in the prolonged political standoff between Wike and his estranged political protégé, Fubara. The image is believed to have been taken during one of President Tinubu’s ongoing peace meetings aimed at restoring political stability in the oil-rich state.
Months of Tension Culminate in Federal Intervention
The Rivers political crisis, which dragged on for nearly two years, compelled President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on March 18, 2025. The move followed fears that rising political instability could disrupt governance and peace in the state. Consequently, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator for an initial six-month term to restore calm.
The crisis also robbed Rivers of official celebrations on Governor Fubara’s second year in office (May 29) and Democracy Day (June 12), as political uncertainty overshadowed governance.
Fubara Agrees to One-Term Deal
According to insider reports, Governor Fubara’s return to office comes at a high political cost. A key condition of the truce is that he will not seek re-election in 2027. This agreement is reportedly premised on allegations that the governor abandoned his political roots and aligned with opponents of the Wike-led structure that brought him to power.
“He has agreed to serve only one term,” a source close to the negotiations revealed. “It’s a return to the fold, and the agreement clears the way for a loyal successor from Wike’s political base, likely from the riverine part of the state.”
APC Defection Also Imminent
As part of the political realignment, Fubara is expected to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This shift, reportedly influenced by Tinubu and Wike, is aimed at consolidating APC’s presence across the South-South.
“The APC wants to dominate the South in preparation for 2027, especially as the North may not fully back Tinubu again,” the insider stated.
Local Government Elections Scheduled
In a related move, Sole Administrator Ibas has fixed August 9 for the local government elections in Rivers State. Although Fubara will oversee the process, sources say he has been barred from nominating any candidates. This suggests that loyalists of Wike, including former council chairmen, could make a return to complete their second terms.
Michael Odey, the recently appointed RSIEC Chairman, is expected to play a central role in the elections, despite Senate opposition over his non-indigene status.
Following the elections, the Supreme Court’s ruling on full local government autonomy is expected to be implemented, ensuring that federal allocations go directly to councils without state interference.
Fubara to Drop Key Political Allies
Part of the reconciliation terms include Governor Fubara agreeing to the removal of key allies seen as antagonistic to Wike’s influence. These include:
Dr. Tammy Danagogo (SSG)
Edison Ehie (Chief of Staff)
Former Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo
Other commissioners and aides loyal to Fubara
In return, Wike will play a decisive role in nominating new political appointees, solidifying control over the administration.
“He’s a prodigal son who has come home,” the source noted. “This is about restoring the political order and loyalty. Those who misled him have been removed.”
This implies a deliberate distancing from figures like Abiye Sekibo, Uche Secondus, Austin Opara, Celestine Omehia, and former Governor Peter Odili.
What This Means Going Forward
Should the terms be fully implemented, Rivers State is likely to witness a fragile peace backed by federal political machinery. However, the developments have also raised fresh concerns about political autonomy, internal democracy, and the role of the Presidency in state affairs.
