Tinubu Brokers Truce in Rivers, Gives Strict Condition for Fubara’s Return as Governor

President Bola Tinubu has brokered a high-stakes political truce to end the prolonged crisis in Rivers State, agreeing to reinstate suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara under strict conditions chief among them, that he will not seek re-election in 2027.

According to TheCable, the agreement was reached during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night, attended by key political players including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Fubara, suspended Rivers Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and a few lawmakers.

Presidency sources confirmed that Fubara agreed to several significant concessions as part of the peace deal. In return for his reinstatement, he will:

Complete his current term but not contest for a second term in 2027,

Cede control of local government appointments to Wike, allowing the former governor to nominate chairpersons across all 23 LGAs,

Pay all outstanding allowances and entitlements to the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in the state assembly.

TheCable reports that in exchange, the lawmakers who had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid the rift will halt all impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

“This arrangement ensures political stability in Rivers, but it comes at a steep cost for the governor,” a presidency source told TheCable. “Wike emerges the real winner, with grassroots control and influence intact as 2027 approaches.”

The bitter power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor Wike has paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state for months, splitting the state assembly and prompting Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March.

As part of that emergency declaration, Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire state assembly for six months, appointing retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas as sole administrator.

Fubara is set to return to office in September, following the end of his suspension, under terms that significantly limit his authority but restore political calm.

Source: TheCable