Tinubu and Fubara hold secret London meeting in search of solution to Rivers State crisis

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu and the estranged Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara apparently held a meeting in London yesterday to find a solution to the ongoing crisis in the state that has led to the suspension of its democratically elected government.

In response to incessant spats between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Federal Capital Territory minister Nyesom Wike, the federal government decided to dissolve the Rivers State government. President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending the governor and appointing the former chief of naval staff Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as administrator for six months.

Following the development, Governor Fubara apparently departed for the UK and it is believed he held a brief meeting with President Tinubu, who was also in Europe, yesterday. President Tinubu was away from Nigeria for a fortnight, visiting France before flying back to Nigeria via London.

It is believed that the meeting, which was the first personal get-together between the two leaders, was at the instance of Governor Fubara.  According to inside sources, the meeting was aimed at easing the current tension in Rivers State and find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis.

Apparently, both leaders discussed restoring functional government in the oil-rich state, with a view to facilitating Governor Fubara’s return to power. Minister Wike, Fubara’s estranged political godfather was not part of the meeting and is said to be anxious about its implications for him.