Tinubu Considers Reinstating Fubara Amidst Ongoing Rift With Wike

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly weighing the reinstatement of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following nearly two months of political turbulence in the state. Since Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, calm has returned to the region, but governance has remained paralyzed. Alongside Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the entire state assembly were also suspended—a move that severely impacted both political stability and the economy, according to Vanguard Newspapers.

In a bid to resolve the crisis, Fubara has made efforts to mend fences with his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. On April 18, Fubara traveled to Abuja to meet Wike, joined by Yoruba political leaders, in what sources described as a move to seek forgiveness and rebuild their fractured relationship.

Wike, who has felt alienated since the 2023 general elections, blamed prominent Rivers elders for exacerbating the conflict. These elders reportedly turned against Wike during the PDP presidential primaries—where Wike lost out to Atiku Abubakar—and later threw their support behind Fubara. Their stance is believed to have obstructed the implementation of an earlier peace plan brokered by Tinubu.

Recognizing the political influence Wike still wields—and aware of Tinubu’s alliance with him—Fubara has shifted to direct negotiations. After a closed-door meeting with Tinubu in Germany, Fubara once again reached out to Wike in a renewed push for reconciliation.

Political observers suggest that Tinubu is under immense pressure to restore Fubara to office before May 29, Nigeria’s Democracy Day. Such a move would be viewed as a gesture of national unity and a reaffirmation of democratic values.

Groups like the Ijaw National Congress and Ijaw Republican Assembly have openly urged the president to seize the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to democracy. However, Fubara’s possible return may come with strings attached, including a political compromise that gives Wike’s allies significant influence over commissioner appointments and upcoming local government elections.

As Democracy Day approaches, Nigerians are closely watching for Tinubu’s decision—one that could redefine Rivers State’s political landscape and determine whether Fubara’s return will come with full authority or limited autonomy.