Pressure Mounts on President Tinubu to Reinstate Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara Ahead of June 12

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly among several high-profile Nigerians lobbying President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara before Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12. Sources say Jonathan has spoken with Tinubu at least once by phone to advocate for Fubara’s return, positioning the move as a gesture in line with democratic values.

Fubara was suspended by President Tinubu on March 18 for six months, alongside his deputy and members of the state House of Assembly. The controversial suspension, unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic era, was criticized as unconstitutional, with legal analysts citing Sections 305 and 188 of the Constitution, which make no provision for a president to suspend a sitting governor outside a declared emergency. Tinubu replaced Fubara with Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator, marking the start of emergency governance in the state.

The conflict is rooted in a political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers and government appointments. The political drama escalated when the Wike-aligned state lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, culminating in the March suspension.

As Nigeria prepares to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democracy on June 12, the pressure on Tinubu to reverse the suspension has intensified. Although many expected the governor’s reinstatement by May 29—marking the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration—it did not materialize. Attention has now shifted to June 12, Democracy Day, as a symbolic and politically strategic date for potential reinstatement.

Behind the scenes, a series of diplomatic moves has taken place. In April, Fubara traveled to London via Germany for a private meeting with Tinubu, where discussions reportedly centered on peace and the possible restoration of democratic governance in Rivers. A follow-up meeting occurred in Lagos last week, with images of a smiling Tinubu and Fubara fueling speculation of an imminent resolution.

Fubara has publicly thanked Tinubu for his intervention and urged supporters to avoid attacking either the president or Wike, suggesting a calculated move toward reconciliation. Sources say the Lagos meeting was initiated by Fubara himself and occurred without Wike’s knowledge, further complicating the internal dynamics.

As the political chess game unfolds, Fubara is said to have grown more pragmatic, recognizing the need to align himself with the center. Observers note similarities with moves made by other governors who have recently shifted allegiance from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), such as Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno.

Speculation is rife that Fubara may follow suit, potentially aligning with Tinubu to secure political backing and future prospects, including the 2027 general elections. This possibility is bolstered by rumors of a new opposition coalition led by former governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is believed to have clandestine ties with Fubara.

Meanwhile, the emergency governance in Rivers has entered its third month, with Vice Admiral Ibas still at the helm. If not reversed by June 18, the emergency rule will have reached its halfway mark. Critics, including prominent Ijaw leaders like Prof. Benjamin Okaba, have urged Tinubu to act swiftly, describing the suspension as a democratic aberration. Okaba insists that Rivers people still stand with Fubara and that the president should correct what many see as an unconstitutional act.

Opunabo Inkor-Tariah, a former media adviser to Wike, also expressed optimism that Fubara’s meetings with Tinubu are bearing fruit. He highlighted the governor’s achievements before his suspension, including the completion of 52 projects without loans, calling him “a calm man prepared to lift his people out of poverty.”

Insiders say pressure from outside political heavyweights is also at play. In addition to Jonathan’s involvement, two other former presidents are said to have expressed concerns directly to Tinubu. The strategic nature of Fubara’s visits to Tinubu, reportedly at the suggestion of these former leaders, has fueled expectations of a resolution ahead of June 12.

While Wike remains publicly adamant that Fubara must go, he has expressed displeasure with the emergency rule, which he believes gave Fubara a political lifeline. Nonetheless, the minister insists that any reconciliation must be genuine. He continues to accuse Fubara of aligning with old political adversaries, including former governors and PDP stalwarts.

Tinubu’s next move remains uncertain. While he has voiced commitment to democracy in past June 12 speeches, including a vow to protect citizens’ rights and uphold constitutional governance, his decision on the Rivers crisis will be a defining test of that promise.