Tinubu reportedly set date for Fubara’s return

President Tinubu is understandably under pressure to lift the suspension of governor Fubara.

According to report, the president  is expected to call off the suspension on Fubara of Rivers and return him with the other suspended persons to their offices on the 29th of May, 2025 in celebration of Democracy day in Nigeria.

The suspension of Siminalayi, his deputy, and the lawmakers of Rivers State took place on the 18th of March. It was preceded by the declaration of a State of Emergency and installation of a sole administrator in the State by Nigeria’s number one citizen, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the presidency, it needed to be done to curb the growing problem of unrest in the state. The unrest being referred to was the dispute between Nyesom and Fubara who was his immediate successor on the seat of governorship in the state.

According to reports, the bone of contention began just a few months in 2023 after Siminalayi was installed as the governor of the state. It was reported that Nyesome Wike was his biggest fan during his campaign days. Even at a point when others, especially from PDP, questioned Fubara’s knowledge, Wike stood by him and helped him achieve his dream of becoming the governor of the state.

Coming on seat, reports asserted that Fubara forgot who his back bone in the days of trial was. He refused to honor the agreement he had earlier reached with his predecessor. Instead, according to reports, Fubara sought succour among the elders of the state who already had one dispute or the other with Wike.

This lengthened the issue, causing a rift in the house of Assembly. It further led to some lawmakers, about 27 of them, camping with Wike, leaving a few as Fubara supporters. It also led to threats of impeachment which many believed was instigated by the former Rivers State governor.

Relying on the support of the state’s elders, Fubara refused every call of reconciliation and so did Wike. The issue dragged over from 2023 to 2025. While this feud was on, rumours asserted that the rate of pipeline vandalism skyrocketed in the State.

Also the legislators finally initiated the process of removing him as governor. That was the point PBAT stepped in and declared a State of Emergency in the State. In the same vein he suspended Fubara, the deputy, and the entire legislative arm of government within the state, and installed a sole administrator.

While off his office, reports stated that Fubara realised the importance of peace and began to seek it. This perhaps was what led to the meeting he had with the President in France during the President’s trip to the country. While insiders are tight-lipped on the details and consensus reached during the meeting. Rumours have noted Fubara would be reinstated before the end of the six month suspension if he meets the conditions outlined for him by PBAT.

While details of the conditions are not open to the public, Fubara seems to have taken it head on. He was spotted visiting his erstwhile godfather some days ago and was ushered into his presence by the ex-governor of Ogun State and the current one. It was also disclosed that Siminalayi went on his belly to ask his oga for forgiveness, but further details of their discussions are not open to public ears.

On the other hand, rumours have it that the suspended governor has plans of defecting to the APC. Some side-talks have pointed out that the act is likely to be one of the conditions PBAT gave him.

Also, key players in the country are beginning to make comments about the President bringing Fubara back to the office on the 29th of May which holds an important space in the country’s Democratic history. Ogbonna Nwuke has already stated that it is merely speculation, but has also added that it would be a wise move on Tinubu’s part if reinstates the governor, his deputy and the law makers on a day considered important in the country’s history.

Additionally, being a democrat, Ann Kio Briggs has revealed that she expects the president to end the suspension and bring the suspended officials back on seat on the 29th of May. This according the Ijaw Republic spokesperson, would allow the governor to join others in enjoying the tidings of democracy day.

Meanwhile, as the presidency has been under pressure to bring back the governor and his lawmakers, what will this mean for the people of Rivers State? What does it also mean for the soon-to-be-reinstated governor? Would he continue to dance to the tune of the FCT minister and that of the President? What if their tunes contradict at some point?