President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, under a new political settlement that bars him from contesting the 2027 gubernatorial election.
Fubara to Complete Tenure Without 2027 Re-election Bid
The decision was finalized during a high-stakes, closed-door meeting on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Present at the meeting were:
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Martin Amaewhule, suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly
Other key Rivers lawmakers
Sources within the presidency disclosed that the agreement is intended to restore political stability and democratic governance in Rivers State, following months of turmoil.
A key component of the peace deal requires Governor Fubara to complete his first term but refrain from seeking a second term in 2027—effectively curbing his long-term political influence.
Wike to Nominate All Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State
As part of the political compromise, President Tinubu also approved a concession granting Nyesom Wike the authority to nominate chairpersons for all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State.
This move is seen as restoring Wike’s grassroots political dominance, solidifying his role as a power broker in the state.
Background: Rivers State Political Crisis
The conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, erupted in late 2023, disrupting governance in the oil-rich state. The clash centered on control of the state’s political machinery, which Wike had built during his eight-year tenure as governor.
Fubara’s attempts to assert his independence led to:
- Impeachment threats
- A split in the State House of Assembly
- General political gridlock
In response to the escalating crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025. He suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months.
Retired naval officer Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as a sole administrator to manage the state during the suspension period.
What This Means for Rivers State Politics
With the new political accord, Governor Fubara’s return to office is now assured, but under tight conditions that restrict his future political ambitions. His suspension ends in September 2025, after which he is expected to resume duties.
The peace deal also marks a major victory for Nyesom Wike, who regains considerable control of Rivers State politics despite leaving office over a year ago.
