President Bola Tinubu recently met with the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, while on a working trip to Europe. According to reports, the meeting was requested by Governor Fubara. However, the Presidency has not officially confirmed or commented on the meeting.

This meeting is important because it was the first time both leaders met face-to-face since the political crisis in Rivers State led to a state of emergency. On March 18, Tinubu addressed the nation and mentioned that ongoing political troubles in the state had stopped governance and threatened national stability.

To manage the situation, Tinubu appointed Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole administrator of Rivers State.

Insiders say the goal of the meeting was to reduce tensions and find peaceful solutions. They discussed how to bring back normal government operations in the oil-rich state. There are also talks about the possibility of Fubara returning to his position as governor.

Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s former mentor and now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was reportedly not involved in the meeting. Sources say Wike is worried about what the meeting could mean for his influence and position.