President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has agreed to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara but only under four non-negotiable conditions.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, as reported by The Cable, the deal was sealed during a private meeting on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Present at the closed-door session were Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Governor Sim Fubara, suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martin Amaewhule, and several lawmakers aligned with both factions.
The Four Conditions for Fubara’s Return
According to high-level insider sources, President Tinubu’s peace deal is contingent on Governor Fubara meeting the following conditions:
1. No Second Term Ambition
Governor Fubara will be allowed to complete his current four-year term but must publicly and privately commit to not contesting for re-election in 2027.
This clause is seen as a key concession to ease political tension and prevent further confrontation with Wike’s camp.
2. Wike to Appoint All 23 LGA Chairmen
The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, will be given the exclusive right to nominate local government chairpersons across all 23 local government areas in Rivers State—an important lever of grassroots political control.
3. Lawmakers’ Outstanding Entitlements to Be Paid
Governor Fubara has agreed to pay all withheld allowances and entitlements owed to the 27 lawmakers who were suspended from the state assembly. These lawmakers are believed to be loyal to Wike.
4. No Impeachment Threats
In exchange, the lawmakers will stand down any plans to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor. This part of the deal guarantees the security of Fubara’s tenure at least until 2027.
Backdrop: A State at War With Itself
The crisis in Rivers State began in late 2023 following a dramatic breakdown in the relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. What started as a quiet power tussle quickly evolved into open hostility, with lawmakers defecting, courts intervening, and impeachment threats flying.
Though a temporary peace deal known as the Aso Rock Accord was brokered in December 2023, the truce soon collapsed, and political hostilities reignited through 2024.
President Tinubu’s recent meeting marks a renewed and more enforceable attempt at restoring stability in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.
Implications: Peace or Political Pawn?
Analysts are split over the implications of the deal. While it brings a measure of political calm, it also raises serious concerns about federal overreach, democratic subversion, and the long-term autonomy of Rivers voters.
By surrendering his right to seek a second term and ceding local government control, Fubara effectively becomes a transitional figure, with Wike continuing to pull the political strings from behind the scenes even from Abuja.
Critics argue that while peace has been temporarily achieved, the cost may be a weakening of democratic values.
Official Silence, Imminent Statement Expected
As of press time, no official statement has been issued by the Presidency, the Rivers State Government, or any of the involved lawmakers. However, sources say a public announcement confirming the new agreement may be made in the coming days, once final consultations are concluded.
Stay with us for continued coverage on this developing story.
