President Bola Tinubu held a private meeting with Rivers State Governor Siminalai Fubara at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on the evening of Monday, September 22, 2025. This gathering marked the first official interaction between the two leaders following the lifting of the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, which ended on September 18, 2025.

The emergency rule had been declared by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, amidst a severe political crisis that paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state. The crisis stemmed from a deadlock between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which stalled budget approvals and left critical economic assets vulnerable to threats, including pipeline vandalism by militants in the Niger Delta region. To restore order, President Tinubu suspended democratic structures in the state and appointed a sole administrator to manage affairs during the emergency period. The decision was controversial and met with opposition from political groups and civil society, but the President defended the action as necessary to prevent anarchy and protect national economic interests.

Governor Fubara resumed office on September 19, after the emergency was lifted, but waited a few days before his formal visit to President Tinubu. Upon arrival at the Villa, Fubara described the meeting as a “father-son discussion,” emphasizing gratitude and the importance of cooperation moving forward. He stated, “I went to Mr. President for guidance. It’s proper for me to see him to say I have resumed and to receive any advice that will ensure peace and avoid future crises.” Fubara also affirmed that peace has been restored in Rivers State, noting that his government and the President’s administration are now working together harmoniously.

President Tinubu’s lifting of the emergency rule was based on intelligence indicating a “groundswell of a new spirit of understanding” among political stakeholders in Rivers. He highlighted that the conditions necessitating the emergency—such as the paralysis of governance and threats to federal economic assets—had been sufficiently addressed, allowing for the reinstatement of the governor, deputy governor, and the state legislature. Tinubu thanked traditional rulers, the National Assembly, and the people of Rivers State for their support and patience, acknowledging that dissent and legal challenges to the emergency were part of democratic norms.

The resumption of democratic governance in Rivers State has been widely welcomed by regional political caucuses and stakeholders. The Rivers State National Assembly caucus praised President Tinubu’s commitment to democracy, peace, and development, urging all parties to work in harmony for the state’s progress. Experts emphasize that the reconciliation between Abuja and Port Harcourt leadership is vital for stability in the Niger Delta, whose oil production is crucial to Nigeria’s economy. Eyewitnesses report a hopeful atmosphere in Rivers, with calls for unity and economic revitalization growing louder.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on sustained cooperation between President Tinubu and Governor Fubara to consolidate peace, rebuild democratic institutions, and address socio-economic challenges in Rivers State. The federal government is expected to support infrastructure improvements, security enhancements, and dialogue among political actors to prevent a recurrence of such crises. The ongoing collaboration signals a commitment to restoring public confidence and delivering dividends of democracy to the people in this strategic Nigerian state.

In summary, the private meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara symbolizes a new chapter of unity and cooperation following the lifting of emergency rule in Rivers State. Their engagement underlines a shared commitment to peace, democratic governance, and the development of the Niger Delta region, critical for Nigeria’s national stability and economic prosperity.