Rivers Crisis: Tinubu Under Pressure to Restore Fubara’s Mandate on Democracy Day

Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, calm has largely returned to the region. However, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the entire legislative arm has raised serious concerns about the state’s political and economic stability.

Fubara, who was elected in 2023, has spent nearly two months without the powers and privileges of office. Determined to salvage his political future, he has taken bold steps toward reconciliation, notably seeking peace with his former mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In a dramatic gesture on April 18, Fubara visited Wike at his Abuja residence, accompanied by Yoruba political leaders including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Segun Osoba. The absence of Rivers elders at this meeting has been interpreted as a strategic move, as Wike holds some of them responsible for fueling the political rift.

The conflict has roots in the 2023 presidential election, when a division emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike, feeling sidelined after Atiku Abubakar’s nomination and the selection of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate, refused to support the PDP ticket. While he backed Fubara for governor, several PDP heavyweights in Rivers opposed the decision, viewing Fubara as politically inexperienced. These same figures—Uche Secondus, Abiye Sekibo, Celestine Omehia, Austin Opara, Lee Maeba, and Tele Ikuru—later rallied behind Fubara in opposition to Wike, especially after Wike was appointed FCT Minister.

This group reportedly discouraged Fubara from fully implementing the eight-point peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu, which some believe could have restored normalcy much earlier. Realizing the limitations of this support base, Fubara now appears intent on charting a personal path to reconciliation—one that excludes the influence of Rivers elders.

Wike, widely seen as a formidable political strategist with significant backing in Abuja, had hinted he would forgive Fubara if the governor offered a sincere apology. Following a private meeting with Tinubu in Europe, Fubara returned to Nigeria and paid a remorseful visit to Wike, pleading for forgiveness. Though the exact outcome of these meetings remains undisclosed, sources suggest they may pave the way for a political agreement beneficial to Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid and Fubara’s return to office.

There is growing speculation that President Tinubu, under increasing pressure from influential Nigerians, may reinstate Fubara by May 29—Democracy Day. Supporters argue that doing so would demonstrate Tinubu’s commitment to democratic principles and bring relief to the people of Rivers State.

Former lawmaker Prince Ogbonna Nwuke urged Tinubu to seize the symbolic significance of May 29 to reinstate the suspended administration. Similarly, Ijaw Republican Assembly spokesperson Ann Kio Briggs and Ijaw National Congress President Prof. Benjamin Okaba said reinstating Fubara on Democracy Day would resonate deeply with the people and reinforce Tinubu’s image as a unifying leader.

Dr. Joseph Ambakederimo of the South-South Reawakening Group described Fubara as a “man of peace” who has shown enough humility to warrant a return to power. He said many Nigerians are anxiously awaiting the president’s announcement on May 29.

Meanwhile, questions linger about the terms of the potential reconciliation. Sources suggest future appointments, including commissioners and local government officials, may be shared between Fubara’s camp and Wike’s Abuja bloc. Reports indicate the upcoming local elections, slated for August 9, will also reflect this new power-sharing arrangement.

As the nation waits, uncertainties remain. Will Fubara return as a fully empowered governor or as a figurehead constrained by external influences? What becomes of the Rivers PDP elders who once stood against Wike? For now, all eyes are fixed on May 29, a date that could reshape the political future of Rivers State.