In a decisive move to restore political stability in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly reached a landmark agreement to reinstate suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, under the condition that he will not seek re-election in 2027. The deal, struck during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night, also grants former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike control over local government appointments across the state.
The high-level meeting was attended by President Tinubu, Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, suspended Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and several lawmakers. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the agreement is aimed at ending months of political turmoil that have paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state since late 2023
Governor Fubara will complete his current four-year term but will not contest in the 2027 gubernatorial election
Minister Wike will nominate all 23 local government chairpersons, effectively regaining grassroots political control.
Pro-Wike lawmakers will drop all impeachment proceedings in exchange for payment of outstanding allowances and entitlements.
A presidency source described the arrangement as a “steep but necessary compromise” to prevent further escalation. “The president made it clear that Rivers cannot afford a prolonged crisis. The deal is about restoring calm, but it comes at a steep cost for Fubara,” the source said.
The political rift between Fubara and Wike had reached a boiling point earlier this year, prompting President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March and appoint a sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. With this new agreement, the federal government hopes to restore democratic governance and avert further instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.