Following months of political turmoil in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly preparing to reinstate suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly within July. The move comes after a reconciliation meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which brought together Fubara, his predecessor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, suspended Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers.
The crisis began in October 2023 amid a power tussle between Fubara and Wike, resulting in impeachment proceedings against the governor by pro-Wike lawmakers. The situation escalated in March 2025 when Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all assembly members due to security concerns over pipeline vandalism.
The truce reached includes several significant conditions: Fubara will serve out his current term but will not contest the 2027 election; Wike will have the power to appoint all local government chairmen; and Fubara will settle outstanding payments owed to suspended pro-Wike legislators.
Wike commented after the meeting, “We have all agreed to work together… We are members of the same political family.” Fubara added, “Peace has returned… We’ll do everything to sustain it.”
The President is expected to announce the reinstatement formally after concluding his diplomatic engagements abroad. This agreement signals a critical step toward restoring political stability in the oil-rich state.