Rivers State politics is about to witness fresh developments as President Bola Tinubu has agreed to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, contingent upon the latter’s commitment not to seek reelection in 2027. This resolution emerged from a closed-door meeting held on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa, featuring key political figures such as Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Fubara himself, suspended Speaker of the Rivers Assembly Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers.
According to sources within the Presidency, the arrangement is aimed at restoring democratic order in Rivers State and comes with substantial concessions. One of the primary stipulations is that Fubara will be allowed to complete his four-year tenure but must renounce any intentions for a second term. This agreement, while securing Fubara’s position temporarily, significantly limits his political influence going forward.
Insiders revealed that part of the deal grants Wike the authority to nominate local government chairpersons across all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State. This move effectively reestablishes grassroots political control for Wike, reinforcing his pivotal role in shaping the state’s political landscape and further consolidating his influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Additionally, Fubara has consented to settle all outstanding allowances and entitlements owed to the 27 suspended lawmakers loyal to Wike. In doing so, the lawmakers have agreed to refrain from initiating impeachment proceedings against him, thereby stabilizing his governance amid ongoing political tensions.
The suspended legislators, led by Amaewhule, had previously defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the contentious power struggle but continued to assert their claims to legislative seats, causing significant legal and political contention regarding their status.
Sources characterized the Thursday night meeting as a breakthrough in President Tinubu’s efforts to reconcile the deeply divided factions of Rivers State. However, they caution that this resolution comes at a considerable cost for Fubara, who is required to yield significant power to restore peace.
“The arrangement is clear: no second term, no local government control, and peace will return,” one insider stated, emphasizing that the President stressed the urgency of resolving the prolonged crisis in the state.
“The president made it clear that Rivers cannot afford a prolonged crisis. The deal is about restoring calm, but it comes at a steep cost for Fubara,” another source noted. Critics argue that the true victor in this scenario is Wike, who, by controlling local government chairmen, retains substantial influence over the state’s political machinery, which will be crucial as the political landscape approaches the 2027 elections.
The turbulence between Fubara and Wike, rooted in a struggle for control over the political structure of the oil-rich state, has severely impacted governance, culminating in attempts to unseat Fubara. Key institutions, particularly the state assembly, have been embroiled in the conflict, with factions aligning themselves with either Wike or Fubara.
Previously, President Tinubu’s efforts to mediate peace between the two factions had failed. In March, he declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the ongoing political turmoil, and subsequently suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers Assembly for six months, appointing retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
As Fubara’s six-month suspension comes to an end by September, the effects of this rebooted political arrangement will be keenly observed as Rivers State seeks to navigate its way toward stability and governance in the aftermath of political discord.