Tinubu Holds Secret London Meeting with Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara Amid Political Storm

President Bola Tinubu recently met with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, during a discreet visit to London, The Africa Report has confirmed.

The meeting, reportedly initiated at Fubara’s request, marks a dramatic turn in the ongoing political crisis engulfing Rivers State.

Though details of their conversation remain undisclosed, sources suggest the two explored pathways to restoring governance and stability in the oil-rich state — including the potential reinstatement of Fubara before his suspension lapses.

Presidential aides contacted by The PUNCH denied being part of the trip, further shrouding the meeting in secrecy.

The high-stakes dialogue follows Tinubu’s controversial March 18 declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the removal of Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. Citing unrelenting political turmoil and threats to national security, Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution and appointed Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator.

The move has been fiercely contested. Governors from seven PDP-led states have filed a suit at the Supreme Court, demanding a reversal of the emergency rule and restoration of democratic governance.

Notably absent from the London talks was Fubara’s former ally, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike a development insiders say has caused discomfort within Wike’s camp.

Tinubu is expected to convene a broader meeting involving Fubara, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the coming days, as efforts intensify to broker a lasting peace in the politically charged state.