Tinubu Set to Reinstate Governor Fubara, Rivers Lawmakers in July

President Bola Tinubu is expected to reinstate suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly before the end of July, following a major reconciliation effort with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

According to multiple sources at the Presidency, the decision to restore Fubara and the lawmakers emerged from a closed-door meeting last Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting was attended by Tinubu, Fubara, Wike, the suspended Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, and several legislators. It marks a significant development in a political crisis that has gripped the oil-rich state since late 2023.

The crisis escalated on March 18, 2025, when Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all lawmakers. Citing widespread insecurity, including pipeline vandalism, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator. The political standoff stemmed from a fierce power struggle between Fubara and Wike, once allies, over control of the state’s political machinery. The feud led to impeachment attempts, court battles, and violent incidents including the bombing of the State Assembly complex and attacks during disputed local elections.

The reconciliation deal, however, signals a shift. Tinubu’s mediation has reportedly led to an agreement under which Fubara will be allowed to resume office but with key concessions. These include a promise not to seek re-election in 2027, surrendering control of local government structures, and payment of owed entitlements to 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. In return, the lawmakers will withdraw impeachment proceedings.

There had been speculation that Fubara’s return could be contingent on his resignation, but Presidency sources denied this, stating that no such condition was imposed. The agreement does, however, limit the governor’s powers moving forward. Wike is expected to nominate all 23 local government chairpersons in the state—a move that cements his continued influence.

Sources said Tinubu personally informed Fubara during the meeting to “start preparing to return to office.” The reinstatement is expected shortly after the President returns from diplomatic visits to Saint Lucia and Brazil, where he is scheduled to attend the BRICS Summit on July 6–7.

Following the meeting, both Wike and Fubara made public statements confirming the return of peace to Rivers State. Wike described the conflict as a “family disagreement” that had now been resolved, while Fubara emphasized that the focus going forward would be on maintaining peace and driving development in the state.

In line with the reconciliation deal, Fubara has dissolved political support groups such as the “Simplified Movement” and “Simplified Elders,” signaling his reintegration into the Wike-led political fold. These groups had been formed during the height of the political crisis, while Wike’s supporters operated under the “Wikematics” platform. A former lawmaker, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, confirmed the disbandment of the groups, stating that the move was meant to restore unity in the political family.