Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State on Monday declared that political stability has been fully restored in the state, following months of internal crisis and federal intervention.
Speaking to journalists at the State House in Abuja after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Fubara said the political tension that engulfed Rivers has been “settled,” adding that he now enjoys a good working relationship with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, his former political ally turned rival.
“I don’t know what you mean by ‘paper peace’. As far as I’m concerned, we have made peace. Fubara and his principal are working together,” the governor said when asked whether the reconciliation was genuine.
Fubara’s visit marked his first official appearance at the Villa since President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State on September 17, reinstating Fubara and other suspended officials after six months of political crisis.
The governor said he came to personally thank the President, whom he described as a “father,” for his role in restoring peace and ensuring governance continued in the oil-rich state.
“It’s only proper that I come to see Mr. President and tell him that I’m back. I’ve resumed my duties as Governor of Rivers State,” Fubara said.
“It was a father-son discussion — just thanking him, and seeking his guidance on any areas that could lead to another crisis. That’s all.”
Fubara arrived the Presidential Villa alone at about 6:20 p.m. and proceeded to the President’s office for a private meeting.
Background of the crisis
Fubara, elected governor in May 2023, fell out with his predecessor and political benefactor, Nyesom Wike, over the control of the state’s political structure. The rift deepened in the Rivers State House of Assembly, splitting lawmakers into rival factions.
On March 18, 2025, amid escalating tensions and public unrest, President Tinubu invoked emergency powers, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly. He appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator during the period of federal control.
In June, Tinubu hosted a peace meeting with key actors including Fubara, Wike, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and others — a move widely viewed as a turning point in resolving the political stalemate.
By September 17, Tinubu formally ended the emergency rule, restoring the elected officials to office.
In a statewide broadcast following his return, Fubara publicly thanked the President for his intervention, saying he remained “eternally grateful” for the role Tinubu played in preserving governance in Rivers.
