Tinubu Holds Late Night Peace Talks With Wike, Fubara, and Rivers Lawmakers—All You Need to Know

President Bola Tinubu, late Thursday night, brought together the key players in the ongoing Rivers State political crisis: Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike; suspended Rivers governor Siminalayi Fubara; and members of the embattled Rivers State House of Assembly, including suspended Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser, who said Tinubu’s goal was to broker peace and finally resolve the power tussle rocking Rivers State.

Why This Matters

Since 2023, politics in Rivers State have been tense, with Wike and Fubara fighting for control. Their disagreement divided the state assembly into rival groups, and the assembly building was even pulled down.

Things got so serious that, in March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers. He suspended both Fubara and the lawmakers and put one person in charge of the state.

This tough action was taken to restore peace, especially as there were threats to important oil facilities.

What Was Discussed at the Meeting?

Sources say Thursday’s meeting focused on laying the groundwork for lasting peace and governance stability in Rivers State. While no official statement revealed the full outcome yet, the president’s invitation to all sides shows Abuja is now directly mediating, moving past behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Photos from the Villa show Tinubu flanked by Wike, Fubara, and key lawmakers, hinting that all parties may be open to compromise, at least publicly.

Key Questions Nigerians Are Asking

1. Will Fubara Become a Member of APC?

Speculation is high that peace may come with a political price. If Fubara aligns with the APC, it could ease tensions in the state assembly (which leans pro-Wike and APC) and give Abuja greater control over Rivers, a crucial oil-producing state. However, no official statement has confirmed any defection. Watchers say the peace deal may include “political realignment”—but the details remain behind closed doors for now.

2. Will Fubara Return as Governor of Rivers State?

One of the burning questions is whether Tinubu’s intervention will restore Fubara to his seat as governor after being suspended under emergency rule. The late-night talks suggest Abuja is seeking a stable resolution,possibly reinstating Fubara in a power-sharing arrangement, or under conditions acceptable to both Wike’s camp and Tinubu’s presidency.

3. What Will Be the Outcome of the Peace Talks?

While details are still emerging, possible outcomes include:

• Reinstatement of Fubara as governor, possibly after a deal is struck
  
• Formation of a unity government or power-sharing deal in Rivers State
  
• Defection or public alliance of Fubara with the APC
  
• Resolution of legal tussles within the state assembly
  
• New timelines for ending the emergency rule in Rivers
  

4. What Happens Next?

The next steps will likely include:

• Official statements or communiqués clarifying the outcome
  
• Re-opening of the Rivers assembly complex
  
• Possible return of suspended lawmakers to office
  
• Increased negotiations behind the scenes to implement any agreements reached