Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, September 22, around 6:20 pm. This meeting marks Fubara’s first official visit to the State House since his reinstatement as governor after a six-month emergency rule imposed on the state.

Background of the Emergency Rule

The emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, was aimed at quelling the festering political crisis in Rivers State. During this period, Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended from office. President Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state.

Fubara’s Reinstatement and Post-Emergency Rule Plans

Fubara was reinstated on September 18, along with his deputy and the state assembly members. Upon his return to office on September 19, Fubara emphasized the need for reconciliation and development in Rivers State. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for intervening in the crisis and ending the emergency rule.

Purpose of the Meeting

Although the exact details of the meeting are still unfolding, sources suggest that Fubara’s visit aimed to thank President Tinubu for ending the emergency rule and to discuss ways to consolidate peace and ensure smooth governance in Rivers State.