Tinubu Meets Fubara in London over Rivers Political Crisis

Tinubu Meets Fubara in London over Rivers Political Crisis

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Tensions in Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State may be easing after weeks of political uncertainty and protests as President Bola Tinubu and Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, are engaging in quiet diplomacy that could reshape the region’s leadership behind closed doors.

Two aides to the president confirmed that the meeting took place in London last week, shortly after Tinubu left Paris.

The meeting, it was learnt, was at the insistence of Governor Fubara, who has been desperate to return to office since the president declared a state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State.

“It is true. Governor Fubara held a private meeting with the president last week. Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline,” said an adviser to the president who wished to remain anonymous because he was not authorised to speak to the press.

Another presidential aide said Fubara is also open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ingratiate himself with the president and then obtain cover.

“If Fubara joins the APC, it means the president’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher,” he says.

NATIONAL PERISCOPE gathered that Fubara’s estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was uncomfortable with such meetings taking place behind him.

However, Tinubu is expected to broker a meeting between Fubara, Wike, and the Rivers State lawmakers to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the state.