Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara met with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, just a day after Minister Nyesom Wike publicly accused him of betrayal.
The surprise visit has fueled speculation about Fubara’s next political move as tensions between the former allies continue to escalate on the national stage.
SEE ALSO: Fubara Thanks Tinubu for Restoring Peace Amid Rivers Political Tension
Siminalayi Fubara, the embattled Governor of Rivers State who is currently under suspension, has reportedly met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the President’s private residence in Lagos. The meeting, which has sparked renewed political discourse, was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement released on Tuesday, June 3.
While details of the closed-door meeting remain undisclosed, the visit has raised eyebrows across the country due to its timing, coming just a day after Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike expressed deep disappointment over what he described as a betrayal by Fubara, his former political protégé.
Wike, during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, had spoken emotionally about the sour turn their political relationship had taken. He lamented that despite playing a key role in Fubara’s emergence as governor, he now felt disheartened by the governor’s actions, which he claimed were contrary to the trust they once shared.
The friction between the two political heavyweights has been building for months, and Fubara’s suspension only added fuel to the fire. Although Fubara has maintained relative silence publicly on the feud, his visit to President Tinubu is being interpreted in some quarters as a move to solidify his political standing or possibly seek federal backing amid growing political tensions in Rivers State.
Political analysts suggest the meeting could have been a strategic effort by Fubara to discuss matters affecting the state, realign with the presidency, or seek intervention in the ongoing crisis with Wike, who continues to wield significant influence both at the federal level and in Rivers State.
The presidency, however, has not released any official details about the agenda or outcome of the meeting. Onanuga’s brief confirmation did not indicate whether any resolutions were reached or if further engagements were planned.
The Rivers political crisis, which initially began as a power tussle between supporters of Wike and loyalists of Fubara within the state assembly, has now evolved into a broader battle that has drawn national attention. Several attempts at reconciliation have failed, and the state continues to experience political instability.
As Nigerians await clarity on the next steps, Fubara’s latest visit to the president may mark a turning point in the unfolding drama. Whether it will result in a de-escalation of tensions or spark further political maneuvering remains to be seen.
