Emergency Rule cum Fubara’s Political Odyssey: Tinubu Under Pressure To Reinstate Fubara May 29

 

Political tides in Rivers State appear to be shifting as the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara embarks on what many consider a strategic and heartfelt campaign for peace and reinstatement. Since the state of emergency was declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, a cloud of uncertainty has hung over the region’s governance. Yet, relative calm has gradually returned, fueled by behind-the-scenes diplomacy and bold reconciliatory gestures.

Governor Fubara, who was elected in 2023, has spent nearly two months stripped of his official powers, an exile from a post he fought to earn. Now, in a dramatic turn of events, the governor is working to mend fences with his political benefactor-turned-rival, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In a move that stunned observers, Fubara visited Wike’s Abuja residence on April 18, accompanied not by elders from his home state, but by notable Yoruba politicians including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Segun Osoba.

The optics of the meeting raised eyebrows, but also pointed to a calculated decision. Wike has long accused a bloc of Rivers elders—many of whom backed Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential elections—of fueling the rift between himself and Fubara. Their fallout dates back to Wike’s perceived betrayal by the PDP leadership during the party’s presidential primary, where Atiku emerged victorious and later selected Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate, dashing Wike’s vice-presidential ambitions.

This betrayal deepened divisions in Rivers politics. Wike, sidelined nationally, poured his political capital into ensuring Fubara’s rise as governor. Ironically, those same elders who opposed Wike's decision now stand as Fubara’s staunchest allies, urging him to resist Wike’s influence and back away from a peace deal they believe undermines his autonomy.

With President Tinubu’s intervention halting what many believe was an imminent impeachment, Fubara has opted to navigate the political minefield alone. Choosing to sidestep the faction of elders, he appears to be charting a path of pragmatic reconciliation, acknowledging Wike’s enduring influence and support from the federal power structure.

Observers link a recent trip by Fubara to London and Frankfurt to a quiet meeting with President Tinubu. Although the specifics of the discussion remain undisclosed, sources suggest it may have been the precursor to a delicate agreement aimed at restoring peace in Rivers State—and perhaps securing broader political cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.

That possibility gained traction after Fubara’s visit to Wike. While details of their reconciliation are under wraps, the imagery of a humbled governor seeking forgiveness carries a potent political message. It signifies a shift not just in personal disposition, but in tactical alignment.

Public sentiment across Rivers State is coalescing around the idea of reinstatement. Figures such as Prince Ogbonna Nwuke, former House of Representatives member, and Ann Kio Briggs of the Ijaw Republican Assembly, argue that May 29—Democracy Day—offers a fitting opportunity for President Tinubu to reinstate Fubara and restore democratic order. They see it not merely as a symbolic gesture but a necessary correction to months of dysfunction.

Support for Fubara’s return is widespread among Ijaw and South-South political stakeholders. Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, views reinstatement as an opportunity for the president to rise above partisanship and affirm his commitment to federal unity. He stresses the importance of allowing the people of Rivers to enjoy the leadership they elected, rather than one imposed through political maneuvering.

Yet, questions linger about what a second tenure would look like for Fubara. Reports suggest that a power-sharing agreement is part of the peace deal, with Abuja expected to wield considerable influence over key appointments—including commissioners, local government chairmen, and RSIEC leadership. This setup, while potentially stabilizing, risks reducing the governor to a figurehead in his own state.

The opposition bloc—once loyal to Atiku and now championing Fubara’s defiance—may find itself sidelined under the new political architecture. Their role in emboldening the governor could ironically lead to their marginalization if the reconciliation with Wike cements into a durable political arrangement.

Amid growing speculation, Tinubu is said to be under mounting pressure from political heavyweights to use May 29 as a national healing moment. Groups like the South-South Reawakening Group have also voiced their support for Fubara, emphasizing his willingness to embrace peace and highlighting his remorseful outreach to both the presidency and Wike.

Joseph Ambakederimo, convener of the group, believes the nation is watching closely. “The stakes are high,” he says, “and expectations even higher. The president has a golden opportunity to unite Rivers State and make a bold statement for democracy.”

Behind the scenes, however, not all is settled. Concerns remain over the terms of the so-called “symbiotic agreement” between the FCT Minister and Fubara. With whispers of predetermined local government candidates and manipulated electoral commission structures, there is a risk that the reconciliation could come at the cost of true democratic process.

As May 29 approaches, Nigeria watches with cautious optimism. Will President Tinubu rise to the occasion and restore the democratic mandate in Rivers State? Or will the coming days reveal a fragile truce built more on compromise than conviction?

Either way, Governor Fubara’s second coming—if it happens—will be closely scrutinized, not only for what it means for Rivers politics, but for the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.