Oluwatosin Enesi
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence on Tuesday, marking a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The visit comes just days after Fubara publicly declared his commitment to peace and reconciliation, stating he had set aside personal pride and interests to help stabilize Rivers State.
While the specific details of the closed-door meeting between President Tinubu and Fubara were not disclosed, the meeting is seen as part of broader efforts to resolve tensions within the state.
Fubara recently acknowledged efforts to mend ties with his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, whom he referred to as “his boss.”
“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing,” Fubara said. “What is important is for the state to move forward. It is not about you — the state’s interest is paramount.”
The political standoff in Rivers State began shortly after Fubara assumed office, resulting in a power tussle with Wike. The conflict eventually led to serious divisions in the state house of assembly and attempts to impeach the governor.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18. He suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for six months.
To maintain order, the president appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
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