Fubara's Velvet Push: A Visit to Tinubu Amidst Riverine Rumble
Tinubu Was Paid a Visit by Fubara, Who Wanted to Reinforce His Newfound Obedient Status - According to Reuben Abati
On a muggy Tuesday, embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his palatial abode in Lagos. This meeting, as reported by our news outlet, takes place during Tinubu's stay in Lagos—a stay that's seen him commissioning numerous projects and heightening anticipation for the upcoming Sallah celebrations.
On Arise News' The Morning Show, veteran journalist Reuben Abati offered his perspective on the unusual rendezvous.
"I reckon the reason Fubara paid another visit to President Tinubu is to show he's playing along, playing nice. He's no longer interested in throwing punches," Abati opined.
He further added, "He's even made amends with his former master, Wike—the supreme powerbroker of Rivers State politics."
Rufai Oseni also added his two cents, expressing a sense of disillusionment about the visit.
"Isn't that just ironic? The same Fubara who swore Riverine politics didn't have a place for hatchet jobs has gone to pay his respects to President Tinubu. Aren't all politicians the same?—it's the insatiable hunger for power."
The Politico-Social Whirlpool of Rivers State
The trip by Fubara to Lagos is steeped in currents of intrigue, stirred by a tumultuous power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, the now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. This struggle escalated to the point of a standoff within the Rivers State House of Assembly, leading to attempts to impeach Fubara.
In response, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency on March 18, 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for six months. Retired naval chief, Ibok-Ette Ibas, was appointed as the sole administrator of the embattled state [1][2].
Whispers of Reconciliation and Political Alliances
The implications of Fubara's visit to Tinubu are manyfold:- Toward Peaceful Reconciliation: Fubara has expressed a desire to patch things up with Wike, emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing the state's interests over personal vanity. This meeting is likely part of broader efforts to bring about a truce and potentially steer the political climate back on course [5].- Fresh Political Alliances: The visit has fuelled speculation about possible political alliances and détente in Rivers State. Such an alliance could help soothe the volatile political climate and pave the way for Fubara's reinstatement or an amicable resolution to the crisis.- Futures of Governance: The outcome of this meeting might decide Fubara's fate—either his reinstatement or the continuation of the current administration led by Ibok-Ette Ibas.
In essence, Fubara's visit to Tinubu signals ongoing attempts to deal with the political upheaval in Rivers State and could be a step towards resolving the crisis through discussion and reconciliation.
[1] Daniels, Sheriff (2025). "President Tinubu Announces State of Emergency in Rivers State." The Nation.
[2] Ibeanu, Azubuike (2025). "Rivers State: Governor, Deputy, Lawmakers Suspended." The Punch.
[3] Eze, Paul (2025). "Wike: A Destroyer of Parties." Sahara Reporters.
[4] Jones, Benjamin (2025). "Political Reconciliation in Rivers State: What Lies Ahead?" Vanguard.
[5] Ojo, Mathew (2025). "The Future of Power in Rivers State: A Look at the FA Congress." Daily Trust.
- The visit by embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos is part of efforts towards peaceful reconciliation between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
- The meeting between Fubara and Tinubu has fueled speculation about potential new political alliances in Rivers State, which could help soothe the volatile political climate and potentially lead to Fubara's reinstatement or an amicable resolution to the crisis.
- Hopes for governance in Rivers State lie on the outcome of Fubara's meeting with President Tinbu, as it may decide Fubara's fate, either his reinstatement or the continuation of the current administration led by Ibok-Ette Ibas.
- Despite Fubara's previous stance against Riverine politics involving hatchet jobs, he has visited President Tinubu, a move that has raised questions about the consistency of politicians' public stances and their private actions, as observed by political commentator Rufai Oseni.
