“Wike is the real winner here. By controlling the LG chairmen, he retains significant influence over the state’s political machinery, which will be crucial for 2027,” – a presidency source
President Bola Tinubu has agreed to reinstate Siminalayi Fubara as Rivers State governor on the condition he will not seek re-election in 2027, TheCable reported.
The deal emerged from a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night. Attendees included Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara, suspended Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers.
According to presidency sources quoted by TheCable, the agreement is designed to end Rivers’ prolonged power struggle. “The arrangement is clear: no second term, no local government control, and peace will return,” a source said.
Another insider added, “The president made it clear that Rivers cannot afford a prolonged crisis. The deal is about restoring calm, but it comes at a steep cost for Fubara.”
Under the pact, impeachment proceedings against Fubara will be dropped. In return, Wike will nominate all 23 local government chairpersons, cementing grassroots control.
“Wike is the real winner here. By controlling the local government chairmen, he retains significant influence over the state’s political machinery, which will be crucial for 2027,” a presidency source noted.
The move follows months of political paralysis that prompted Tinubu to declare a state of emergency and suspend state officials in March.
READ MORE AT SAHARA REPORTERS.