Drama In Rivers: Four ‘Non-Negotiable’ Terms Table Before Fubara’s Comeback

After months of political turmoil and public unease, a glimmer of hope emerged on Thursday with the circulation of a widely shared photograph capturing a rare moment of unity. President Bola Tinubu, flanked by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and a seemingly reconciled Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was seen smiling in what appeared to be a show of restored peace.

The image, which quickly went viral on social media, marked the latest development in President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to broker peace between Wike and his former political ally, Fubara. The rift between the two had escalated into a prolonged crisis that lasted nearly two years and severely impacted governance in the oil-rich state.

The political deadlock became so intense that on March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the urgent need to restore order and preserve peace. As part of the emergency measures, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator with a six-month mandate to stabilize the state.

The political impasse also cast a shadow over major events, including Governor Fubara’s second anniversary in office on May 29 and the national Democracy Day celebrations on June 12, both of which passed without fanfare.

However, the most recent reconciliation meeting, which brought together key stakeholders—among them, House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara, and Minister Wike—appears to have yielded meaningful progress. Yet, sources close to the discussions revealed that Governor Fubara’s return to full political control comes with strict conditions.

According to an insider familiar with the negotiations, Fubara has agreed not to seek re-election in 2027 as part of the terms. The source explained, “Yes, he has committed to serving only one term. This decision stems from his fallout with the political structure that supported his rise to power. He distanced himself from his political base and aligned with figures who originally opposed his candidacy in 2023.”

If Fubara honours this agreement, he will become the first elected governor in Rivers State to serve a single term, potentially paving the way for a new candidate—loyal to Wike—to emerge in 2027. The insider added that the next governorship candidate is expected to come from the riverine region of the state, a move intended to maintain the power rotation formula and ease ethnic tensions.