ABUJA: Four days after lifting the state of emergency in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening held a crucial closed-door meeting with the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Governor Fubara, clad in a flowing white caftan and black cap, arrived at the State House at about 6:20 p.m. for what marks his first official engagement with the President since the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State.
This meeting comes just four days after the federal government lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers on March 18, 2025.
At the time, President Tinubu suspended democratic structures in the state, citing heightened political tensions and worsening insecurity. A sole administrator was appointed to manage the state’s affairs during the six-month suspension. The measure was widely debated, with critics calling it undemocratic, while the presidency insisted it was necessary to prevent a total breakdown of law and order.
On September 18, Tinubu announced the lifting of the emergency rule, restoring full constitutional governance and reinstating Governor Fubara to his office. Monday’s meeting therefore signals the first step in consolidating that transition and re-establishing harmony between the Rivers State Government and the Presidency.
Although the agenda of the meeting was not disclosed to the press, political observers believe discussions may center on stabilizing Rivers politics, rebuilding state institutions, and strengthening federal–state cooperation in the oil-rich region, which remains vital to Nigeria’s economy.
Governor Fubara’s arrival came shortly after Tinubu held separate meetings with other key figures, including Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq; Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; and Finance Minister, Wale Edun.
As of press time, the outcome of the President’s discussion with Governor Fubara had not been made public. However, expectations are high that the meeting could pave the way for lasting political stability in Rivers State following months of turbulence.
