Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara's Lagos Visit: Implications and Reactions

Rivers State's suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, paid President Bola Tinubu a visit at his Lagos residence on Tuesday.

Less than a week had passed after Fubara declared he was putting aside his pride and personal interests in order to restore peace to Rivers State when this visit took place.

The specifics of the meeting between Fubara and the president have not yet been made public.

Prior to this visit, Fubara had stated that he was attempting to mend fences with his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike. Fubara referred to Wike as his "boss."

It is imperative that we get off our high horse and submit to the peace process. And we're doing just that," he had stated.

“What is important is for the state to move forward. It is not about you — the state’s interest is paramount.”

Shortly after Fubara took office as governor, he and Wike began a power struggle that led to the current political crisis in Rivers State.

The Rivers State House of Assembly became seriously divided as the issue worsened. Even attempts were made to impeach Fubara and remove him from office.

Due to the ongoing political instability, President Tinubu proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18.

In addition, he imposed a six-month suspension on Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers Assembly.

Ibok-Ette Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed by the president to serve as the state's only administrator during this time.