*Sole Administrator Seeks CAN’s Support For Peace, Unity
A RESOLUTION in the Rivers State political crisis appears in the horizon as President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara reportedly met in London recently, ostensibly to chart a way out of the situation.
Recall that Tinubu on March 18, declared a state of emergency in the state and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas, after suspending Fubara, his Deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu and members of the House of Assembly.
According to The Africa Report, close aides of the President and Fubara confirmed the meeting took place in London last week, shortly after Tinubu left Paris, at the instance of the suspended governor, who is desperate to return to office.
Tinubu was said to have agreed to meet Fubara in his effort to douse the crisis.
There are indications that Fubara is ready to making concessions, including dumping his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), if that would facilitate his early reinstatement and reduce the tension in the state.
The Punch reported a source as saying: “It is true. Fubara held a private meeting with the President last week.
“Fubara has promised to make some compromises. Negotiations are ongoing, but from all indications, his suspension will be lifted before the six-month deadline.”
The source said further negotiations were ongoing and that his six‑month suspension could be cut short, given the progress in the parley.
Another aide told The Africa Report that Fubara was weighing a switch from the opposition PDP to the APC to get on the good side of the President, adding: “If Fubara joins the APC, it means the President’s chances of winning Rivers State are much higher.”
The report could not be confirmed from Presidency, as aides refused to comment specifically on the meeting, said to be first face‑to‑face since the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, Ibas has appealed to the Rivers State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to play active roles in fostering peace, reconciliation and stability in the state.
During an engagement with CAN leaders at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas stressed the importance of the church’s moral guidance in restoring peace in the state, reminding them of his mandate, which includes to restore law and order, stabilise the polity and pave the way for the return of democratic rule.
He stated that since assuming office on March 20, 2025, he has engaged in consultations with civil society, traditional rulers and local council officials to rebuild trust and foster cooperation and urged the church to support this effort.
“The unity of the church is the seedbed for the unity of the State. Where the church leads in love, the people will follow in peace.”
He assured that his administration remains people-centred, accessible and committed to justice and equity and called for collective action, noting that sustainable peace requires dialogue, collaboration and understanding.
Ibas charged religious leaders to remain steadfast in prayer and be bold in speaking the truth, saying with CAN’s support and divine guidance, the state would emerge stronger and more united.
In their remarks, the leadership of the state chapter of CAN, led by the Most Rev. D.E Kala-Dukubo, urged the administrator to involve the group in the peace-building process and to ensure that critical aspects of governance are not ignored during the emergency rule period.
