In what has been characterized in some quarters as a “thank you visit,” Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has arrived at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a visit to President Bola Tinubu.
This is Fubara’s first official visit to the State House since his reinstatement as the governor of Rivers, after a six-month emergency rule in the state.
He arrived the villa alone at about 6:20 p.m. on Monday and made his way towards the office of the President.
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Fubara, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly were suspended from office on March 18, 2025, by the President, following the political unrest in the state.
Tinubu announced the end of the emergency rule on September 17, 2025.
Though no reason has been given yet for the visit, discerning political observers say the governor may have gone to Aso Rock to thank President Bola Tinubu for his “magnanimity.”
In his first speech after regaining his office, Fubara, who said his decision not to contest the presidential declaration of emergency in Rivers State was predicated on his conviction that no sacrifice was too great for peace in Rivers State, was effusive in his praise of Tinubu.
He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a “fatherly intervention” that restored full democratic governance to Rivers State.
“The President graciously brokered peace during this period, and we all accepted it, though not without the hard lessons learnt, during the emergency rule,” he said.
Fubara said this in a statewide broadcast hours after returning to the state on Friday, September 19, 2025.
The governor, who pledged to work harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds and accelerate the advancement of social and economic development of the state, described the period of emergency as one of the most challenging moments for the state.
He added that the responsibility now lies with leaders to put aside personal interests and pursue the common good.
He also acknowledged the role of his political leader, former Governor Nyesom Wike, alongside the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other stakeholders in sustaining peace.
- This is a breaking story. Details shortly…
