President Bola Tinubu has agreed to reinstate Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State, but under the condition that Fubara must not seek re-election in 2027.
The decision followed a closed-door meeting held on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In attendance were FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara, suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule, and several lawmakers.
It is understood that the agreement is part of a broader peace deal aimed at restoring political stability and democratic order in Rivers State.
Under the terms of the truce, Fubara will serve out his current four-year term but is barred from contesting for a second term.
“The arrangement is clear: no second term, no local government control, and peace will return,” a presidency source familiar with the negotiations said.
The deal also grants Wike political leverage. According to sources, the FCT Minister will nominate all local government chairpersons across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This move is expected to restore grassroots control to Wike’s camp.
“The president made it clear that Rivers cannot afford a prolonged crisis. The deal is about restoring calm, but it comes at a steep cost for Fubara,” another source explained.
In addition, Fubara has agreed to pay all outstanding allowances and entitlements owed to the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, who were earlier suspended by the state assembly. In exchange, the lawmakers will refrain from pursuing any impeachment proceedings against him.
“Wike is the real winner here. By controlling the local government chairmen, he retains significant influence over the state’s political machinery, which will be crucial for 2027,” a source added.
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